Newcastle United chiefs are intensifying their pursuit of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande.

A Newcastle delegation will be in Lisbon this week for talks with Diomande and Sporting.

O Jogo says Newcastle do not want to pay his €80m buyout clause and hope to negotiate a realistic fee with Sporting. Toon chiefs also want to speak with Diomande face-to-face to convince him about their project.

Knowing Chelsea are also keen, Newcastle hope to secure a commitment from Sporting in January before the battle intensifies towards the end of the season.

FC Midtjylland are watching closely as they'll be due 15-20 per cent of the fee generated by their former player's sale.