Newcastle have upped their opening offer for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos as they focus their efforts on securing the signing of a new defender, reports claim. The Magpies have already seen a bid in the region of £25million rejected for the Brazilian last week but the Newcastle hierarchy have now returned for the 28-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in Europe.
The world's richest club moved quickly to wrap up a deal for Burnley striker Chris Wood on Tuesday evening after trigger his release clause, understood to be worth between £20m and £25m.
Eddie Howe was determined to bring in another No 9 after being told Callum Wilson will miss around eight weeks of action with a calf problem.
Now Wood is through the door, Newcastle are intensifying their pursuit of defensive reinforcements and Carlos is one of the main targets on their shortlist.
According to The Telegraph, the Magpies have now increased their bid for Carlos, who is the man they hope to make their third January signing of the new era.
Newcastle have made a new offer for Diego Carlos (Image: GETTY)
It's understood Sevilla are yet to respond to the offer as Newcastle wait for positive news.
After the embarrassing 1-0 FA Cup defat to Cambridge, Howe made it clear he wanted several new faces through the door in time for the crunch relegation clash with Watford this Saturday.
Newcastle do have a number of other plates spinning though with Monaco's Benoit Badiashile also of interest.
In untimely fashion, the 20-year-old defender sustained a muscle injury in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Nantes, which could impact Newcastle's stance on signing the player.
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St James' Park chiefs saw two offers for Lille's Sven Botman rejected and the French club have now made it clear the Dutchman is not for sale.
Speaking to local radio back in 2020, Carlos declared his respect for Sevilla and did not appear overly keen on transfer speculation.
He said: “In football we do not know what can happen. It is a complicated situation. I am very happy in Sevilla, with everyone.
“I do not know what can happen at the end of the market. I have spoken with my agents, I do not want speculation.