Newcastle United are reportedly still eyeing up a potential move for FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The Lowdown: Scouts sent

It was reported in September that the St. James' Park outfit sent scouts to watch Costa in action for the Portugal national team back in June, ahead of a potential move.

He has a €60m (£51.9m) release clause, and even though the North East club signed Nick Pope from Burnley in the summer, a move for Costa in the January transfer window has not been ruled out.

The Latest: Still interest

As per Portuguese news outlet Record (via Sport Witness), Costa is 'well referenced' on Tyneside, and Eddie Howe's team remain attentive to the player.

However, he is completely focused on Porto at the moment, having just played in the UEFA Champions League group stages away at Club Brugge, while both Manchester United and FC Barcelona have also sent scouts to watch him.

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The Verdict: Have faith in Pope

Having just signed Pope, there should not be a real urgency for the Magpies to go out and buy another goalkeeper.

They already have Loris Karius and Karl Darlow that they can also call upon, while Martin Dubravka is on loan at United.

Hailed as ‘superb’ by journalist Zach Lowy, there is no doubt that Costa is a quality goalkeeper, as the six-foot-two colossus helped Porto win their domestic league title last term, with an impressive 15 clean sheets in 33 games and just 22 goals conceded in the Portuguese top flight (Transfermarkt).

He has started off this season in similar fashion, averaging a clean sheet every other game, and at just 23 years of age, there will be plenty more opportunities for the Toon to buy him in the future.

Right now, their faith should be in Pope, who has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League so far this campaign.