Craig Hope has revealed the latest on Newcastle United's reported pursuit of Diego Carlos in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Carlos 'keen'

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern last week, Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie revealed that Carlos is now personally ‘keen’ on a move to St. James' Park, but claimed that Sevilla ‘hold the aces’ when it comes to a potential deal this month.

Nonetheless, it is a story that looks set to develop further in the coming days, with another big game at the bottom of the Premier League table against Leeds United coming up on Saturday afternoon.

The Latest: Transfer request

As per The Daily Mail journalist Hope, the Magpies have still not had an offer accepted for Carlos, but he has now handed in a transfer request at Sevilla.

The Toon are hoping that they can do a deal with the La Liga side in the region of £30m:

"I’m told NUFC have not yet had an offer accepted for Diego Carlos but, as per reports, he has submitted a transfer request to Sevilla.

"Hope is for a deal in region of £30m."

The Verdict: Get it done

After the disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Watford last weekend, the North East club cannot afford for the days to go by before they bring in a new central defender.

Carlos seems to be the strongest link, and if a deal for £30m can be done, it is well worth doing - the six-foot-one Brazilian is currently rated at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, and so could present a real bargain.

Nicknamed ‘The Beast‘, Carlos is exactly the kind of character needed to shore up the backline, and at 28 years of age, the Tyneside outfit will be buying a player in his prime.

La Liga expert Kevin Campbell claims Carlos is 'amazing' and 'right up Newcastle's street' (Football Insider), while European football expert Andy Brassell says Carlos is a 'real leader at the back' (Express).

Nonetheless, this is a deal the Magpies cannot allow to slip through their fingers.

In other news, find out which 'tenacious' Carlos alternative NUFC are now in talks to sign here!