Newcastle United ‘consider’ surprise January move for £20m Portuguese star

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘continuing to pay attention’ to Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as their attention turns towards the January transfer window.

The Magpies enjoyed a productive summer as Eddie Howe continued to build on the momentum gained during the second half of last season.

Defensive duo Matt Targett and Sven Botman both moved to Tyneside and United broke their transfer record by signing Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak at an initial cost of £58million.

The addition of England goalkeeper Nick Pope raised some eyebrows with Martin Dubravka seeming to have secured his place as Howe’s number one.

But it was the former Burnley stopper that has started each of United’s first six Premier League performances so far this season.

Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie will provide backup for Pope after Dubravka opted to accept an offer to join Manchester United on a season-long loan deal.

There is a break clause that would allow Newcastle to recall the Slovakian international in January - although the deal could also but made into a permanent switch at a reported cost of £6million at the end of the season.

Portuguese outlet Jornal do Noticias have reported Newcastle are still looking to strengthen their goalkeeping pool and will revisit their interest in Portugal International Costa.

The Porto stopper is said to be ‘a tempting target’ for the Magpies and suggested United were represented when the 22-year-old started for Portugal against Spain in June.

A fee of around £20million has been suggested - although the report states Costa has a release clause closer to the £53million-mark.

Porto are said to have already made a move for a replacement after they signed Portimonense goalkeeper Samuel Portugal on transfer deadline day.