- Crystal Palace handed Diomande boost
- Newcastle could rival the Eagles for Sporting defender
- Liga Portugal prepared to negotiate
Crystal Palace and Newcastle United could be set to slug it out for one of Europe’s most highly-admired centre-backs. The Premier League clubs are eyeing Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, and the Portuguese giants have opened the door for a potential sale.
There had been suggestions that Diomande’s contract extension meant a summer transfer was off the cards. His new deal, signed in January, included an €80m (£69m) release clause, putting potential suitors off.
As a result, Palace were considering alternatives, including Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez. But a twist is unfolding as Sporting are now prepared to negotiate a potential sale.
Palace Handed Diomande Boost
A report from Portuguese outlet A Bola claims that Sporting are open to offers of around £39m. It’s a surprising turn of events but one that gives Palace a chance to sign one of their top targets.
Diomande has been one of Liga Portugal’s standout performers for several years. His presence at the back has helped Sporting win the title on two occasions.
The Ivorian has long been on the club’s wishlist, and there was talk of a £47m proposal last summer. No move occurred, and he instead put pen to paper on a new deal at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Palace don’t have a free run at Diomande, though, because Newcastle are also keen on signing the 22-year-old. The Magpies will be eager to strengthen their squad this summer amid a dissapointing ongoing campaign but there are suggestions they will be under financial constraints.
If Palace can sign Diomande for £39m, it’s a no-brainer given his talent and experience playing in the UEFA Champions League. His strengths include composure on the ball, described as a ‘Rolls Royce’ and that could be ideal for the Eagles.
Plenty of Options
A new manager will take charge as Oliver Glasner departs in June, and signing the right player profile is crucial. There’s no guarantee that the Austrian’s successor will stick with three-man central defence.
Diomande has been used to playing in a back four during his time at Sporting. He’s formed a formidable partnership with Goncalo Inacio and could similarly gel well with Maxence Lacroix.
Adding the Ivorian to the squad would give a new coach some excellent options in defence. Chris Richards, Jaydee Canvot and Chadi Riad could all be battling it out for a starting berth alongside the undroppable Lacroix.
