EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool and Newcastle enter race for Chelsea target Diomande

Jacque Talbot

• 17 Apr 2024 16:00 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Liverpool and Newcastle are monitoring the situation of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, who is highly admired at Chelsea, FootballTransfers has been told.

The Reds are looking for a high-calibre centre-back who can come in and help lead the line for when Jurgen Klopp departs at the end of the season and a rebuild is needed.

Meanwhile Newcastle are bracing for potential moves of some of their star players, such as Bruno Guimaraes, are looking to bolster their backline with some who can eventually take over from Fabian Schar.

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FootballTransfers revealed the Magpies’ interest in Lloyd Kelly last year, but that would be to help ease the long-term absence of Jamaal Lascelles.

How much will Ousmane Diomande cost?

Diomande has garnered widespread acclaim for his commanding presence at the back but Sporting CP will likely demand the full exit clause of €80 million for the 20-year-old.

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As reported previously, Chelsea also have a keen interest in the defender. The club inquired over a potential move for the player ahead of the January transfer window but opted not to pull the trigger during that period - this was mostly because they could not afford the fee Sporting are asking for.

Sporting CP are bracing for potential departures of three of their star players, each boasting a release clause. Viktor Gyokeres and Goncalo Inacio are both liked by Premier League clubs but because each one could be moved on, Sporting CP will demand their full clauses are met.

Diomande has enjoyed a breakout season for his current outfit, having transferred to the Primeira Liga club Sporting CP in January 2023 from Danish club Midtjylland , signing a contract until June 2027 for a fee of €7.5 million, which could rise to €12.5 million with add-ons. His former club are also owed 20% of the profit Sporting receive from a future transfer.