Mo Diame to Newcastle: Hull offer key midfielder new contract as Rafa Benitez meets his £4.5million release clause
NEWCASTLE are confident of signing Mo Diame - despite Hull’s desperate bid to keep him.
Rafa Benitez’s Toon yesterday triggered the Senegalese’s £4.5million release clause.
And Diame, 29, is keen to move to St James’ Park, even though it means dropping down a division.
The managerless Tigers have acted by offering Diame a new long-term contract, with his current deal due to expire next summer.
And Hull still expect Diame to join them on their pre-season tour of Austria, although he will miss tomorrow’s team flight as he is due in court.
Yet the Magpies hope to make progress on the move in the next 24 hours and seal the former West Ham star’s signature before Friday night’s Championship opener at Fulham.
In another boost for Newcastle, highly-rated keeper Freddie Woodman, 19, yesterday penned a new four-year deal with the club.
And the England Under-19 international, who has courted Premier League attention, said: "I'm delighted.
"I’ve been at this club for five years and I do consider this place home now.
"It's a great moment for me and my family to continue the journey with Newcastle and sign for four more years.”
Benitez has also hinted he is ready to make centre-half Jamaal Lascelles, 22, his club captain.
The ex-Nottingham Forest defender has worn the armband throughout pre-season following the departure of former skipper Fabricio Coloccini.
And Benitez said: “Jamaal is in a good position because what I have seen from him.
“I'm pleased with him - he has the character and the right mentality."