Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘in talks’ to sign Diego Carlos in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Botman alternative?

As per The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, the St. James’ Park faithful have now submitted an ‘improved’ offer to Lille to try and sign Sven Botman, who is their ‘top centre-back target’.

It is ‘unclear’ how they will respond, but he is ‘keen’ on a move to the North East.

However, Lille may wait until the summer before they decided on selling Botman, and so the Tyneside outfit may have to start looking at other centre-half targets as the days go on this month.

The Latest: Carlos talks

According to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are now ‘in talks’ with Sevilla to sign Carlos, who are trying to persuade him to sign a new contract.

However, the central defender is ‘keen’ on the switch, but they may have to cough up £40m after their initial approach of £30m was turned back.

The Verdict: Get it done

Even though Botman is seven years younger, there is not much between them, and Carlos is actually averaging more tackles, blocks and passes at a higher success rate in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

Nicknamed ‘The Beast‘, the Brazilian loves to get stuck in, and he even rattled Lionel Messi in a draw between Sevilla and FC Barcelona last campaign because of how close to the edge he plays.

He seems exactly the type of personality that the Toon need for a relegation dogfight, and if he is up for the move, then Carlos could be a real shrewd signing.

Nonetheless, at 28 years of age, he is at his peak, and so now is the best time to get a deal done.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now started talks to sign here!