Real Madrid could certainly do with another centre-back. Both David Alaba and Eder Militao are out for the foreseeable future. The club seem unlikely to make a signing in the January transfer window but perhaps an addition could be made next summer. In that respect, they have been handed a blow as it looks like one of their top targets could be headed to Newcastle United.
Real Madrid have been linked with quite a few centre-backs playing in the Portuguese league right now. Antonio Silva of Benfica and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP are names who have done rounds of the rumour mill.
Inacio's Sporting CP teammate, Ousmane Diomande, has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season as well. That has seen him being linked with a possible move to Real Madrid too.
But as reported by Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle), Newcastle United are interested in Diomande. The Magpies lead the race to sign the Sporting CP centre-back, as they are ready to pay an €80 million transfer fee to sign him.
Newcastle United ready to pay €80 million fee for Real Madrid target
Diomande is the exactly the type of player Real Madrid have signed in recent years. He is 20 years of age and considered one of the best young centre-backs in world football.
Rumours suggest that he is one of Real Madrid's top centre-back targets next summer. But there is heavy competition for his signature.
Not only Newcastle United but the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and several others have also been linked with a move for Diomande. Thus, it might be pretty difficult for Real Madrid to sign him. Also, would they be open to the idea of shelling out a €80 million transfer fee for a player who has made less than 50 appearances for Sporting CP so far.