SEVILLA star Diego Carlos is now Newcastle’s top defensive target after Lille rejected a second bid for Sven Botman.
Toon boss Eddie Howe is desperate for a new centre-back – and striker – before Saturday’s huge relegation clash against Watford.
Dutch defender Botman was the Magpies’ first choice but Lille insist they will not do business in January, knocking back Newcastle’s improved £35million offer.
The French side could return to the negotiating table for £42m but Newcastle are eyeing alternatives.
Howe ideally wants two centre-halves with the club already working on a deal for Brazilian Carlos, 28, for a similar price.
An initial £28m bid was rebuffed by the LaLiga side as mega-rich Newcastle get used to selling clubs ramping the price up, but Toon chiefs hope an agreement can be reached.
However, despite ongoing talks, an injury at the weekend to Sevilla’s fellow defender Joules Kounde could scupper their plans if he is ruled out for a long period.
As well as Carlos they are also keen on 20-year-old Monaco starlet Benoit Badiashile, but he picked up a knock for the Ligue 1 side on Sunday.
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A forward is another priority this week after the Mags, without injured top scorer Callum Wilson, failed to score against League One Cambridge during their humiliating 1-0 FA Cup third-round defeat.
Burnley’s Chris Wood emerged as a target over the weekend but the Clarets are reluctant to lose the Kiwi striker – and centre-back James Tarkowski – to a relegation rival.
The Toon sealed their first signing of the Saudi era last week, purchasing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12m.
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