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Ciaran Kelly

Diego Carlos clue may be dropped tonight and Newcastle told secret to use new £25m signing

Newcastle United are hopeful of signing Diego Carlos after the Sevilla defender made it clear that he wanted to join the Magpies.

The centre-back had trained, as normal, in the build-up to Sevilla's huge game against Valencia on Wednesday night as Los Rojiblancos look to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to just two points.

However, it remains to be seen if Carlos has played his last game for Sevilla after he informed club chiefs of his wish to move to Newcastle.

The team sheet at the Mestalla will be telling - offering a hint at how close the deal is - and Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui will give an update on Carlos' future when he faces the media after the game.

Sevilla were not previously in a rush to sell Carlos, who has helped form the meanest defence in La Liga, and, ideally, the Spanish side would like to secure a replacement before the window shuts as centre-back Karim Rekik is one of the few alternatives currently on the club's books.

Newcastle's owners are working tirelessly to try and sign Carlos and, potentially, another quality player before Friday's 12pm cut-off point although the matter may be complicated by the former's need for a work permit.

Newcastle have already made two signings in Trippier and Chris Wood, who, of course, have vast experience of playing in the Premier League.

The pair made their top-flight debuts for Newcastle in the 1-1 draw against Watford on Saturday and Trippier, who played alongside Wood at Barnsley, knows how the Magpies can get the best out of their £25m signing moving forward.

"I played with Woody many years ago," he told BBC Football Focus. "I know what he's about.

"I know what he wants as a striker. I know where he wants the ball to be delivered - not just from me.

"We've got quality from wide areas: [Ryan] Fraser, Jonjo [Shelvey], [Matt] Ritchie. If we get that ball in the dangerous areas, he'll be there to finish them off, for sure."

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