Newcastle find Diego Carlos alternative, chase Leno, trump Arsenal’s Vlahovic bid

Newcastle United have reportedly found an alternative centre-back to sign, should their attempts to bring Sevilla’s Diego Carlos to St James’ Park prove unsuccessful.

Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car is said to have emerged as an option for Eddie Howe’s side if they fail to land their top target this month.

It comes following reports the Magpies could swoop for Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno after the German’s fall from grace at the Emirates Stadium.

Reports also suggest Newcastle are ready to deal a secondary blow to the Gunners by trumping their bid to sign Fiorentina’s goal-machine Dusan Vlahovic by offering him more money than their Premier League rivals.

Daily Star Sport has taken a look at the latest Newcastle United transfer news below.

Diego Carlos alternative ‘found’

Newcastle could move for Marseille’s Croatian centre-back Duje Caleta-Car if their bid to sign Sevilla’s Diego Carlos fails, it has been claimed.

90min reports Newcastle “have held talks” with the player and his representatives, but face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals West Ham.

The player is reportedly available on loan with a view to a permanent deal, which could suit the Magpies as they battle against relegation from the top-flight.

Who would you like to see Newcastle sign during this month’s January transfer window? Let us know in the comments below

Leno chased

Newcastle are set to bring German goalkeeper Bernd Leno to the club, as soon as Arsenal sign his replacement, it is reported.

According to Sky Sports Germany, the Magpies are “courting” Leno, although the Arsenal player is said to think that playing in the English second tier is “out of the question”.

That means a summer move could be more likely – once Newcastle have secured their Premier League future.

Arsenal already seem set to bring in Leno’s replacement, with reports linking American New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner to the club.

Vlahovic offer made

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to hand Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic more money than he has been offered elsewhere in a bid to bring the prolific goalscorer to St James’ Park.

According to The Independent , Newcastle have told Vlahovic’s camp they can pay him more than Arsenal.

The striker, who has scored 17 goals and provided two assists in 21 Serie A matches so far this season, is one of the hottest properties in world football with reports linking him with a January move to the Premier League.

It appears the Magpies have a big job on their hands to convince the striker to join them, however, with the report adding that Vlahovic has told Newcastle’s owners, the Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, he is not interested in the move.