Newcastle 'will be keeping tabs' on 'big target' Diego Carlos

Newcastle United will still be ‘keeping tabs’ on Sevilla defender Diego Carlos despite failing to welcome him to St James’ Park last month, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies were Europe’s biggest spenders during the January transfer window, parting with more than £90million, but their huge budget was not enough to persuade the La Liga side into sanctioning Carlos’ departure.

Spanish media outlet Marca have revealed Newcastle have refused to give up in their pursuit of Carlos and are readying another mega-money bid when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

The report suggests the Magpies’ top bid was worth in the region of £42million but Sevilla are aware the Tynesiders will return for the Brazilian.

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie previously told GIVEMESPORT that Carlos has a release clause worth £70million written into his contract and Newcastle were unwilling to match that figure.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has since told ABC Sevilla, via Sport Witness, that he remains fully committed to his current employers despite the constant links to St James’ Park throughout last month.

Carlos also maintained that he was ‘calm’ about the situation and hints he was not interested in forcing through a switch.

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O’Rourke believes Newcastle are still hopeful of signing Carlos despite being frustrated in their efforts to attract him to the club during the January transfer window.

The journalist is certain that the Magpies’ interest in the Sevilla man has not gone away and they will try their luck again at the end of the season.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “We know Diego Carlos was a big target in January but just weren’t able to get that over