Toon urged to keep talking in Carlos bid
NEWCASTLE United are being encouraged to keep talking about Diego Carlos with Sevilla president Jose Castro Carmona.
The Chronicle understands Carlos’ management team has been taken aback with the persistence of the Magpies in their chase of the Brazilian defender.
However, Sevilla - as we reported on January 12 - have resisted any offers so far for the former Nantes star.
Newcastle have been talking about a fee of £25million upwards but Sevilla may not start listening until a much more substantial bid comes in.
Sources in Spain are suggesting United may even have to double their offer.
New developments on the deal have since unfolded and Sevilla are now considering a fresh bid from Newcastle.
Sevilla are protected by a clause in Carlos’ deal which has a release clause of around £80million.
While they may not demand that astronomical figure they can walk away with a huge sale as they test Newcastle’s resilience.
The La Liga club’s stance on Carlos has always been to retain his services as they push for the title in Spain and try to catch Real Madrid.
However, there is also a feeling of “every player has his price” on the centre-back and Newcastle are not going to give up on Carlos with half of the transfer window still remaining.
The initial response from Carlos’ agency Bertolucci Sports was for the Magpies to return with an offer in the summer.
Sevilla will be more open for a sale then and United’s uncertain status in the Premier League would also be resolved.
Slowly but surely, though, Sevilla are understanding the Magpies’ desperation to boost their defence is clear.