Diego Carlos has reportedly revealed his stance on joining Newcastle, with the Magpies in the process of finalising a £30million bid for the defender. Eddie Howe is desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements to aid his side’s Premier League survival bid.
The Magpies are the unwanted holders of one of the worst defensive records in the top-flight, which has harmed their attempts to claw themselves away from the relegation zone.
Howe has won just one game since replacing Steve Bruce and has been unable to improve the performance of his backline.
As a result, Newcastle are trying to overhaul their options, with Kieran Trippier arriving at the start of the window to improve the right-back area.
Attention is now turning towards centre-back, with Newcastle’s current options being a clear part of the reason for their defensive troubles.
Howe had wanted to sign Sven Botman, but the Magpies have failed to convince Lille to let the Dutchman leave.
Diego Carlos' stance on Newcastle transfer with £30m bid tabled (Image: Getty Images)
With Botman unable to be signed, Carlos has emerged as Newcastle’s top target, with the Premier League preparing to submit a bid.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are hoping to complete a deal for the Sevilla centre-back this week.
Carlos is described as now being one of Howe’s ‘primary targets’ for this month’s transfer window, with Newcastle already seeing a number of bids rejected.
But they have two advantages in their attempts to bring the Brazilian international to St James’ Park.
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Newcastle hope to flex their financial muscle to sign Carlos (Image: Express Sport)
Negotiations over a deal are continuing, with the Magpies thought to be hopeful that he will arrive in the North East this week.
If they are able to complete the paperwork on the deal by mid-day on Friday, Carlos will be able to be named in the matchday squad to face Leeds United on Saturday.
While the Whites are nine points clear of the relegation zone, it is a crucial game for Newcastle’s survival bid.
The news that Carlos wants to move to the club will be a major boost for Howe as he looks to drastically improve his backline.