Newcastle readying bid and fighting to land centre-back wanted by Real Madrid

Newcastle United supporters are feeling a sense of excitement ahead of the new season, and their club are now set to ramp up their pursuit of a talented young defender, according to a report.While being active on the transfer market is a priority for Eddie Howe, retaining his most talented players for the foreseeable future will also be a central mission at St James’ Park.

One of his brightest stars is Tino Livramento, and the England international clarified he is in ‘constant contact’ with the Magpies manager despite reported interest from Manchester City in his services.He said on international duty at the UEFA Under-21 EURO Championship: “The manager, I’m in constant contact with him. He has just said to keep focusing on what you’re doing now and you’re doing so well. So having that relationship with someone that is obviously such a big figure in what I’ve done so far, I think is an amazing thing for me.” Liverpool are also targeting star striker Alexander Isak, but who could Howe look to add to his squad in the midst of rival clubs circling for key talent?Taking advantage of his uncertain situation, Newcastle are keen on a season-long loan for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, though the Red Devils would also accept a fee of £40 million to sanction a permanent departure. Reverting to the other end of the field, the Magpies are now readying a bid for a defender who they will need to see off Real Madrid’s advances for to bring to the North East, per reports.According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are preparing a bid for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, who is also attracting heavy attention from Real Madrid and Chelsea. The Magpies have not engaged in any talks with the player, but are preparing to go straight in by submitting a bid to Sporting. The Ivory Coast international is seen as part of Howe’s long-term strategy to compete in the Champions League, and the Magpies have tracked him for several months, hence why they are now ready to firm up their advances with a concrete proposal.Crystal Palace have also entered the hunt, though it remains to be seen if any suitors can get near to his £68.3 million release clause, which clubs will likely try to whittle down. Last season, the 21-year-old notched two goals and one assist in 46 appearances as Sporting stormed to the Primeira Liga title, while he also won 134 duels in that timeframe. Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are coming towards the twilight of their careers, so it may make a degree of sense that the Magpies are in the hunt for a younger alternative at centre-back.