Newcastle United ‘plot £120m swoop for centre-back pair’ ahead of the summer window… as Eddie Howe looks to fix the Magpies’ leaky defence this season

Newcastle have reportedly registered an interest in signing Sporting CP defenders Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande.

According to Sport Witness, the Magpies are looking to strengthen their defensive line during the summer transfer window.

Eddie Howe and the Newcastle coaching staff are said to have earmarked Inacio and Diomande as potential targets for the summer. 

However, they will have to fork out a substantial amount of cash for their primary targets during the summer window. 

Inacio is said to have a €60million (£51m) release clause and his contract while Diomande has an €80m (£69m) release clause. 

Goncalo Inacio is said to have a €60million (£51m) release clause and his contract while Diomande (pictured on the left) has an €80m (£69m) release clause

Eddie Howe and the Newcastle coaching staff are said to have earmarked Inacio and Diomande as potential targets for the summer

It remains to be seen as to whether Newcastle are willing to part ways with a combined fee of €140m (£120m) for the defenders. 

Diomande joined Sporting back in January from Danish club Midtjylland, having spent time on loan at Portuguese second division club Mafra.

This season, he has made 19 appearances in Liga Portugal, scoring one goal before making his Ivory Coast debut in their 1-0 win over Lesotho in Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

Arsenal considered signing central defender as cover after Jurrien Timber suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out for several months. 

Meanwhile, Inacio has made 23 appearances for Sporting in Liga Portugal during their latest campaign, and scored three times for his club. 

The player has featured at his boyhood club since joining their academy at the age of 11, and was promoted to the first team three years ago.