The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed the latest on Newcastle United's pursuit of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his squad this month.

What's the story?

According to Ornstein, Newcastle are pushing to sign the 28-year-old defender along with Lille centre-back Sven Botman, with the Tyneside club "intensifying efforts" to complete the deal.

Eddie Howe's side have the Premier League's joint-worst defence, having conceded 42 goals in 19 games this season. The Magpies have already bolstered their rearguard in recent days, with right-back Kieran Trippier arriving from Atletico Madrid this week.

Having signed from Nantes in 2019, Carlos has been a regular for Sevilla, making 117 appearances for the Spanish outfit and helping them to Europa League glory in 2020.

This season, he has made 18 La Liga appearances for Sevilla, as well as playing every minute of their Champions League group stage campaign, and he is currently valued by Transfermarkt at £40.5m.

Moreover, the defender has kept 11 clean sheets in 26 appearances this term, an average of one shutout every 2.36 games.

Newcastle fans will be buzzing

With the Magpies in a precarious position and the threat of relegation still looming, Howe will be desperate to improve his squad as much as possible, particularly in defence.

The addition of Carlos would prove to be a major statement of intent from the Tyneside club's new Saudi owners, who are expected to spend heavily in the January transfer window.

Not only would the defender add significant quality to the Newcastle backline, he would also provide immense experience, having played in the Champions League as well as for his native Brazil.

When his seasonal WhoScored rating of 6.72 in La Liga compared to the likes of Ciaran Clark (6.24) and Jamaal Lascelles (6.42) in the Premier League, it is clear to see why Newcastle fans might be very welcome to the idea of Carlos playing for their club. They ought to be buzzing with Ornstein's update that the Magpies' hierarchy are pressing hard to try and get a deal done.

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