Newcastle United chase Football Manager wonderkid as ‘perfect’ Fabian Schar replacement

They will face stiff competition for the 20-year-old from several Premier League clubs. Liverpool were understood to be chasing Diomande - an Ivory Coast international - but those transfer plans are in limbo given Jurgen Klopp’s exit.

The Reds are yet to announce his replacement although they have appointed Richard Hughes as sporting director. Diomande only joined the Portuguese club last summer for a meagre £6million, penning a deal until 2027.

Lisbon reportedly slapped an €80million release clause in the youngster’s contract as an insurance policy to potential suitors. Newcastle are unlikely to stump up that figure for a prospect given their FFP/PSR situation.

But Diomande has emerged as one of Europe’s top up-and-coming talents in 2023-24. He has played 23 league games as Sporting near their second title in 22 years.

Portuguese outlet A Bola claim Newcastle are unwilling to pay that price but believe the asking price could be negotiated. The piece also named European heavyweights Real Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich as interested parties.

From a playing perspective, Newcastle must bolster their centre-back options due to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles suffering ACL injuries. Fabian Schar, at 32, is also not going to be around forever and Diomande’s ball-playing style would make him a perfect long-term replacement.

As it stands, Schar and Dan Burn are the only first-team centre-backs for Eddie Howe to call upon during the run-in. Botman and Lascelles are not expected to return until the end of the year.