Newcastle United are back in conversation with Sevilla for a deal to lure Diego Carlos to St James' Park.
With the club putting the finishing touches to Chris Wood's £25million deal from Burnley, United's hierarchy are now switching focus back to the centre-back area and Carlos fits the bill.
The Magpies attempted to sign Sven Botman from Lille earlier this week but hit a brick wall after the Ligue 1 club wanted more than £35million for the uncapped 21-year-old Dutchman.
However, sources in Spain have indicated to Chronicle Live that a bid of around £40million would be needed to get Carlos.
We reported on January 6 how Sevilla were playing hardball on the 28-year-old and that stance could continue.
Quite simply, Sevilla don't want to sell right now with the club fighting with Real Madrid for the La Liga title and still the Europa League and Copa del Rey.
Ambitious Sevilla president Jose Castro Carmona wants full focus on the club's La Liga title challenge having last won it in 1946.
In a bid to land the title he recently extended the contract of head coach Julen Lopetegui until 2024 as reward for keeping pace with Real Madrid.
Those close to the club suggest that Newcastle would have a better chance of the Carlos deal in the summer but needs must and the Magpies are prepared to test the resolve of Sevilla now.
Yet Carlos may also need to be persuaded to swap a season in which he could still pick up three winners medals for a relegation scrap.
