Diego Carlos ‘tells Sevilla he wants to quit and seal Newcastle transfer this month’ in huge boost to Howe’s plans

NEWCASTLE target Diego Carlos has asked Sevilla to let him go.

The Toon have already had one bid rejected for the Brazil centre-back, 28, who reportedly has a £67million release clause.

Now Sky Sports say the ex-Nantes ace is handing in a written transfer request.

Eddie Howe wants urgent reinforcements for second-bottom Newcastle.

And having brought in £12m right-back Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, strengthening central defence is his priority.

If Howe fails to land Carlos, then Fenerbahce's £17m-rated Attila Szalai, 23, is high up his list of alternatives.

Szalai, whose contract runs until 2025, shone for Hungary at Euro 2020.

France Under-21 ace Benoit Badiashile is another possibility.

But the Monaco 20-year-old was injured in last week's 1-1 Ligue 1 draw with Nantes.

And it's understood Newcastle were unwilling to go near his £50m valuation.

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Dutchman Sven Botman was regarded as a prime Newcastle target.

But Lille insist the 22-year-old will not depart in this transfer window.

That all appears to leave Carlos as the likeliest Toon incomer. 

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