The current state of play for Newcastle United in the January transfer window as Toon chase signing No.3

Newcastle United are exploring alternative targets as deals for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard continue to prove troublesome.

Eddie Howe’s side turned their attention to Carlos after Lille made it known that they had no intention of parting with top centre-half Sven Botman - the club’s no.1 target.

Sevilla move the goalposts

It is understood that despite the La Liga side’s reluctance to offload the Brazilian, there was optimism a deal could be agreed at around the £25million mark.

Indeed, Carlos, 28, informed the Spanish outfit he was keen on a switch to St James’ Park but it seems, to put it simply, Sevilla have led United up the garden path.

As negotiations continued, Sevilla’s valuation increased, ultimately a figure the Magpies are unwilling to meet, forcing them to start looking elsewhere.

Carlos is unhappy and has turned down a new contract in Spain, though is unlikely to try and force a move out of respect for his current employers.

Jesse Lingard loan fee

A deal for Lingard is proving even more complicated than what it already was.

The England international is open to joining Newcastle on loan but Manchester United prefer to negotiate a permanent deal.

Lingard is not keen on such agreement, with the player ready to assess his options when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Newcastle have pushed hard to settle on a loan fee with the Red Devils but the figures quoted are extortionate, especially for a short-term period.

Rumours of a £10m loan fee, plus covering his £80,000-a-week wages, for just 17 games... while there is desperation to get Lingard, financially, it’s crazy money.

Although Newcastle have a new-found wealth following the Saudi Arabian-led takeover, they will be not be taken advantage of.

As such, they have no qualms about walking away from transfers.

That isn’t to say both deals are completely off the table, however it’s clear there needs to be a change of heart on the selling side. Both could go to the wire.

Alternative targets - and Bruno Guimaraes reports

In terms of potential alternatives, Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Dan Burn are the latest names linked.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has also been considered. The 25-year-old shares the same agency as Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

A shock name to crop over the last 24 hours is Lyon star Bruno Guimaraes.

It was widely reported that a £30m fee has been agreed before the French club “categorically denied” that was the case.

Guimaraes is currently in Ecuador with the Brazil national team. Arsenal are admirers of the player and have been touted with lodging a bid for him this month.

With what is being reported, it is a deal to certainly keep a firm eye on ahead of Monday’s deadline at 11pm.