Liverpool transfers: Newcastle United now LEAD way for Reds' £68m target

Newcastle United now lead the way for one Liverpool target in the transfer window. The Reds will have a big decision to make.

It seems Liverpool are behind in the race for a transfer target this summer. A Bola reports that Newcastle United now lead the charge for Ousmane Diomande.

Diomande is widely expected to leave Sporting CP this summer after impressing for the league leaders this season. The defender, who is still only 20, has been a regular at the back since arriving from FC Midtjylland back in January 2023.

His performances have brought about massive interest in him - A Bola's article mentions Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Juventus, for instance.

It's Newcastle, though, who have made the most forward steps over a transfer. They've already enquired in various places to sound out a move, while it seems no one else has - or at least, hasn't gone to quite the same lengths.

But there is, of course, a sticking point. Diomande's release clause sits at £68m and it's entirely possible that Sporting demand it's paid. After all, there's interest from all over Europe and that naturally drives up the price.

Newcastle can enquire all they want but this could ultimately come down to who's willing to pay that clause.

Liverpool and Ousmane Diomande

Liverpool have been linked with Diomande for some time now but circumstances have changed. A move from the Reds felt absolutely natural when Ruben Amorim was seemingly in line to be their next manager.

Instead, Arne Slot leads the way. Liverpool will want to sort that situation out before deciding to splash the cash on Diomande. He may well want someone with more experience as a replacement for Joel Matip.

£68m is an incredible amount to spend on a 20-year-old in Liga Portugal, after all. It could well be that another club - like Newcastle - decides to take that risk instead.