Sevilla are holding up in the La Liga race with Real Madrid but if Los Blancos keep on going as they are, the Andalusians can again focus only on the domestic cup and the European glory. And one of the starting lineup regulars seems to be tired of all the Europa League trophies and the constant trailing after the teams from the Spanish capital and Barcelona.Centre back Diego Carlos has reportedly submitted a formal transfer request and freshly rich Newcastle United seem more than interested. Sevilla are so far refusing to accept Newcastle’s offers of little less than 40 million USD.Wed, 22.30: (3.20) VALENCIA (3.15) SEVILLA (2.50)Newcastle have conceded 43 goals in just 20 Premier League games this season (only Norwich have a worse defensive record) and a centre-back is a priority for Eddie Howe. The club have been scrambling around different targets to try and deliver two reliable defenders who can give them that extra security as they bid to stay with the English elite. The 28-year-old Brazilian is due to play against Valencia on Wednesday night but several sources indicate that he wants to come to Newcastle. In the north of England, he should be given a substantial pay rise but Sevilla are reluctant to deal now as Jules Kounde is struggling with injury and they have little to no alternatives in the back.Usual suspects: Rooney and Lampard top candidates to replace RafaThe Magpies hope the player’s request to leave can help persuade the Andalusian club into striking a deal. If they bring in funds from Diego’s sale, Sevilla remain keen on a deal for Manchester United striker Anthony Martial and that could come into play.Another target for Newcastle United comes in the form of Bayer Leverkusen left-back and Dutch U21 international Mitchel Bakker. He joined Leverkusen last summer from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to 11.5 million USD and the German side could make some profit if they monetize Newcastle’s interest.Sat, 18.00: (2.00) LEEDS (3.60) NEWCASTLE (4.00)When Thomas Tuchel was at the helm of the Parisian Saints, Bakker was often in the starting eleven but after Mauricio Pochettino took over at the Parc des Princes – the Dutchman drifted out of favour.Bakker is a modern full-back, a product of Ajax’s academy, tall, athletic, with great pace, able to play in multiple defensive positions.Newcastle need to act fast. After conceding a late goal against Watford on Saturday, Howe’s side are 19th in the table and they have a tough challenge ahead – before an international break, the Toons face tricky Leeds.So far Howe has already signed former Burnley striker Chris Wood for 34 million USD and England full-back Kieran Trippier for little over 16 million USD.Magpies add Wood to strengthen their nest
