€40-50 million could seal the transfer of Sporting Club de Portugal defender Ousmane Diomande this summer, with Crystal Palace and Newcastle United ready to battle for him.
This is according to A. Bola. The Portuguese newspaper reports that Sporting have promised to listen to any offers made this summer.
Diomande signed a new deal at Sporting in January, extending his stay until 2030. That deal includes an €80m release clause.
Diomande was opposed to the new deal as his last deal expired in 2027. This meant he could enter the market in the summer as a lucrative prospect for clubs across Europe.
It promised to be an issue but was 'defused through a gentlemen's agreement'' Between the players, their agents and the club's management.
The trio have agreed that Sporting's directors will analyze it if a concrete offer of €40-50m comes forward.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are keen
Ousmane Diomande knows he has Premier League contenders, namely Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.
Sports Witness has covered their respective interests for months. In fact, a report this week said Crystal Palace were ready to start the battle with Newcastle.
One said pretty much the same thing. According to their information, the Eagles were set to spend €55 million on the 22-year-old last summer if Marc Guhi left.
Diomande is a player they are 'absolutely exploring' and like. But Newcastle have also been 'very attentive' to him.
At the moment, neither side have moved forward, but they will be encouraged by a new gentlemen's agreement with Sporting.
If they put the right money on the table, at least in theory, easy negotiations should be ensured.
It will likely be a question of when, not if. With Diomande preparing to play in the World Cup, interest in him may increase further. For now, it's Crystal Palace and Newcastle on the doorstep.
