Here is your 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.
Diego Carlos alternative?
Newcastle United's pursuit of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos appears to have hit a dead end at this stage with just days remaining in the window.
Defenders remain a priority given the Magpies' dismal record so far this season, with only two clean sheets registered to date.
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Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb claim Galatasary defender Marcao has been identified as a potential transfer alternative, and report the Turkish giants would be open to a sale in the region of £12.5m for the 25-year-old.
The centre-back has made 24 appearances so far this season, and joined the club in 2019.
Fofana stance
RC Lens midfielder Seko Fofana has been regarded as one of the most impressive performers in Ligue 1 so far this season.
The Lens midfielder has been linked with a Premier League switch, with Burnley, Leeds United and the Magpies linked in recent months.
The Ivory Coast international recently stressed he is happy at Lens, and the club's general manager Arnaud Pouille has outlined their transfer stance to French title La Voix du Nord.
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He said: “For the moment, yes, there have been approaches, interest and a written offer.
“But we don’t want to sell Seko. Or anyone. If Seko wants to stay, he stays! For me, Seko shows no sign of wanting to leave.”
