Newcastle United 'decide' on centre-back as club hatch contract plan to keep Liverpool 'target'

The international break continue to rumbles on, and this one is likely to drag on a little given the lack of competitive international action on offer, at least for most of the home nations, while tantalising fixtures wait on the other side of the break, including Arsenal and Manchester City's potentially title-defining clash.

Nevertheless, the international fixtures are an important part of the footballing calendar, and the good news is that we can always keep you entertained with club matters with our latest round-up of transfer news. Join us below.

Newcastle claim

Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande is being linked with a move to Newcastle United ahead of this summer. A centre-back could be a priority for the Magpies ahead of next season amid a lack of depth at the position, and Diomande is said to be an option.

“I think he could be the one,” journalist Grame Bailey has claimed. “He really could. I like him a lot. We know that Newcastle have been watching Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting at times as well. Diomande is a very good player, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up being the one at all. They’ve definitely looked at him.”

Fulham plan

Fulham star Tosin Adarabioyo has been linked with a move to Liverpool ahead of this summer, with the Reds keen to add defensive options after a season full of injuries that has displayed the need for more senior options.

But any move for Adarabioyo may be taken off the table by a smart Fulham plan involving a new contract. According to the Evening Standard, the Cottagers are keen to lock the centre-back down ahead of the summer with a new deal, keeping clubs like Liverpool at bay. The 26-year-old is only under contract in the summer, and Fulham need to act quickly if they want to get a new deal done before the yplayer's head is turned.