Toon scouts travel to watch ‘best African prospect playing in Europe’ – Report

According to reports, Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Sporting Lisbon sensation Ousmane Diomande ahead of the January transfer window.

The Sun claim Toon scouts have travelled to watch the 19-year-old centre-back on at least three separate occasions this season, with club officials spotted in attendance in Lisbon’s 2-1 defeat to Benfica on Sunday.

Diomande is described as the ‘best African prospect playing in Europe’ and has made a huge impression with the Portuguese giants since sealing a £6.5m switch from Danish side Midtjylland earlier this year.

The 6ft 3′ Ivorian has been hailed for his pace, power, ball-playing ability and versatility, with the teenager comfortable playing on the right side of a back four or back three.

He’s contracted to Sporting Lisbon until 2027 and is protected by a whopping £70million release clause, but the report states that the towering defender is interested in sealing a move to the Premier League.

With Newcastle in need of defensive reinforcements and a right-sided centre-back able to become Fabian Schar’s long-term successor, links with Diomande make plenty of sense.

 

Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2023/11/15/new-name-linked-as-toon-scouts-travel-to-watch-best-african-prospect-playing-in-europe/

Author : Olly Hawkins

Publish date : 2023-11-15 16:50:00

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