Newcastle line up £70m Sporting Lisbon wonderkid as Eddie Howe looks to transfer window to add to injury-ravaged squad

NEWCASTLE are eyeing Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.

Toon boss Eddie Howe is desperate for reinforcements with a growing injury list causing some concern.

Diomande is on his radar, although his £70million release clause will give Newcastle’s Saudi owners food for thought when the transfer window opens in January.

Howe has sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old Ivory Coast ace, who’s regarded as the best African prospect playing in Europe.

He has started in every game for Sporting and has been scouted at least three times by Newcastle this season.

Diomande, who is comfortable playing in a back three or four, was watched in Sunday’s Lisbon 2-1 derby defeat by Benfica.

His current deal expires in 2027 but SunSport understands he would be interested in a switch to the Premier League.

Arsenal have also been linked with Diomande after reportedly seeing a £30m bid rejected over the summer.

The teen only made his debut for Sporting in February following a £6.5m switch from Danish side Midtjylland.

He played 17 times in all competitions, scoring once.

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But Diomande has already doubled his total this season with two goals in 16 outings.

Sporting currently sit joint-top of the Portuguese league alongside Benfica, with both teams winning nine of their opening 11 matches.

Diomande’s defensive pal Goncalo Inacio saw red in the heated derby on Sunday.

He too has been linked with a Premier League move as Manchester United reportedly line up a January bid.