Newcastle United are prepared to pay 500m Danish Krone (£58.7m) for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande, according to Tips Bladet.

The Danish publication claims that the Magpies have “recently” proposed the offer, although there is no indication whether the bid will be accepted.

FC Midtjylland, the team Sporting signed Diomande from, have a 20% sell-on clause so they have a vested interest in terms of where the centre-back goes next.

Diomande’s current release clause stands at €80m (£70m) so Sporting may yet turn down Newcastle’s proposal and wait for an offer that matches the buyout fee.

Newcastle will have competition for the player

Both Arsenal and Manchester City were linked with Diomande even before his transfer to Sporting at the start of this year.

It is believed that the two clubs have kept close tabs on the Ivory Coast international’s progress, so there is a strong possibility that they will get involved in the battle to sign the player.

Howe could do with another centre-half

The Magpies do lack depth in the middle of defence. At the moment, manager Eddie Howe is having to rely on Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles, with Sven Botman currently sidelined with a knee injury.

Dan Burn, who can provide cover at centre-back, is also on the treatment table with a back problem. If they can bring in Diomande, it would strengthen an area of the pitch that badly needs reinforcements.

Considering the concerns surrounding Financial Fair Play (FFP), it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can actually afford the 19-year-old. It should also be noted that the club need to replace Sandro Tonali in January, with the midfielder now sidelined for 10 months after being found guilty of betting infringements.

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