Newcastle United scouts present as key centre-back target with £69m release clause showcases elite potential

Newcastle United scouts were reportedly in attendance for FC Porto and Sporting CP’s Taca de Portugal semi-final second-leg clash, as they increase their analysis of a summer defensive target.

The two bitter rivals drew 0-0 at Estadio Do Dragao on Wednesday, meaning Sporting advanced to play second division Torreense in the final following a 1-0 first-leg win. Key to the victory was centre-back Ousmane Diomande.

Newcastle scouts track Ousmane Diomande

Diomande has been linked with Newcastle several times in recent seasons, and he once again appears to have come on their radar as they prepare for a summer overhaul following a miserable 2025/26 campaign.

The Ivory Coast international was key to Sporting CP shutting out Porto across both legs, but it was in the second leg where he particularly impressed. The 22-year-old made six clearances and won five of his seven aerial duels on the night, while he also made one tackle, three interceptions and two blocks against the Primeira Liga leaders - showing great composure on the ball with 43 passes completed from 50 attempts (per FotMob).

That’s been a continuation of Diomande’s excellent league form over the last few years, helping Sporting win back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Magpies had scouts present at the cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday as they continue to track Diomande, alongside a host of other Premier League clubs. He reportedly has a release clause in his contract worth £69million but could be aquired for less.

Eddie Howe is under pressure to improve fortunes at both ends of the pitch, and their 49 Premier League goals conceded in 33 games this term makes for particularly poor reading. That’s without mentioning their 7-2 demolition at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League.

The Magpies could certainly use help at centre-back. Summer arrival Malick Thiaw has been among their few bright sparks this season, but beside him, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar have struggled with various injury issues. Meanwhile, Dan Burn will be 34 years old before the 2026/27 campaign begins, while he’s often had to fill in at left-back due to Lewis Hall’s fitness issues.

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