Sporting Lisbon are prepared to start discussions over selling Newcastle target Ousmane Diomande if they receive an offer between €50m (£43m) and €60m (£52m), according to A BOLA.

The Portuguese tabloid claim that the Liga Portugal champions have softened their stance somewhat when it comes to offloading the Ivorian international.

Sporting were originally looking to hold out for the €80m (£69m) release clause in Diomande’s contract but the club have now “permitted” bids below that figure in order to free up funds for their own transfer business this summer.

A BOLA report that the Magpies are “very interested” in securing the services of the centre-back. Eddie Howe’s side have been heavily linked with a move for the 20-year-old in recent months, along with several other Premier League teams.

Lowering Diomande’s asking price will attract other clubs

If the defender’s valuation is dropped, it’s likely that Newcastle will face a lot more competition for his signature. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential suitors.

Out of those four teams, Chelsea are the likeliest to make an approach as they are seeking a long-term replacement for veteran centre-half Thiago Silva.

Newcastle need reinforcements in the centre of defence

With captain Jamaal Lascelles sidelined for several months after sustaining an ACL injury and Sven Botman having to contend with his own knee problems, the Magpies have struggled with numbers at centre-back.

It’s an area of the pitch that you would expect the club to strengthen in the coming months. Reports have suggested that both Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly could be brought in.

The pair are out of contract at the end of next month and will be available on a free transfer. Even if they are signed, there is an argument to be made that a more high-profile purchase is also required. It remains to be seen, though, whether the club would have the funds to buy Diomande, considering the limits imposed by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

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