Watch out Arsenal! Newcastle join race to land £70m-rated Ousmane Diomande from Sporting in January transfer window

Newcastle have entered the race to sign £70m-rated Sporting CP defender Diomande, according to The Sun. Plagued with multiple injuries, Eddie Howe is looking for reinforcements and the Magpies have already sent scouts to watch Diomande on three occasions - most recently during Sporting's match against Benfica on Monday - to monitor the progress of the 19-year-old player.

In September it was reported that Arsenal are keen on signing the Ivory Coast international and had placed an early bid worth €35m (£30m), which was rejected by the Portuguese club as they were reluctant to sell their star for such a low price.

Diomande, who joined Sporting in January this year from Midtjylland, has a contract with the club until 2027.

The centre-back has appeared in every single game for Sporting so far this season. In 16 appearances across all competitions, he has scored two goals and provided one assist.

Ruben Amorim's Sporting side will be back in action after the international break on November 26 when they take on Dumiense in a Taca de Portugal clash.