Newcastle United have been dealt another blow in their pursuit of Diego Carlos after Sevilla confirmed they have ramped up his release clause to £67million.
The Magpies had multiple attempts to sign the defender in the January transfer window rejected by the Spanish club.
Sevilla, targeting European glory and a title tilt in La Liga, refused all offers as weeks of negotiations failed to materialise a move for the 28-year-old, who was said to be curious over a move to the Premier League club.
Sevilla blocked any efforts and remained stubborn over their valuation of the player - insisting that only the meeting of his release clause would see him depart.
Eddie Howe ended up signing Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion in January after failing to sign Carlos as well as Lille’s Sven Botman, but hadn't lost hope of capturing the Brazilian this summer.
But now Sevilla chief Monchi has made clear that Sevilla will again battle to keep hold of him for next term, publicly revealing that Carlos did indeed sign a new deal last year.
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Speaking to Mucho Deporte, he said: “We’ve renewed [the contracts of] Diego Carlos and [Lucas] Ocampos 14 months ago. We didn’t announce it for strategic reasons.”
Whether the Magpies are willing to pay the £67million required to sign him in the summer remains to be seen - without it, they can again forget about any move being completed.
Following an eight-game unbeaten run that has lifted them up to 14th and seven points clear of the relegation zone, Toon bosses are again looking across Europe for players who can mount a top eight tilt next term.
And Carlos fits that bill.
The Magpies' understanding of the situation in January was that Sevilla would be willing to let him leave this summer - potentially for a more reasonable figure, below his release clause, given the player's interest in a Premier League switch.
However, Newcastle may now be set for another battle with the Spanish side.
