Newcastle United and Brentford eye Issa Doumbia as Sporting set January transfer conditions

Newcastle United and Brentford are reportedly maintaining their interest in Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia, just months after missing out on his signature.

The 22-year-old joined Sporting from Venezia in July for €20million plus €6million in potential bonuses, but his performances in Portugal have already attracted renewed attention.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Newcastle, Brentford, Juventus and Roma are monitoring the midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.

Doumbia emerged as a transfer target for several European clubs following an impressive campaign with Venezia.

The midfielder scored 10 goals and provided six assists last season, helping the Italian side secure promotion back to Serie A.

Newcastle and Everton were linked with him before Sporting completed his transfer, while Brentford reportedly made an initial approach.

Roma also attempted to enter the race as Sporting were finalising their agreement.

Since moving to Portugal, Doumbia has registered one goal and one assist in 10 appearances, including two outings in the Champions League.

His performances have reportedly kept him on Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle's radar, with Brentford continuing to monitor developments.

Despite the renewed interest, Sporting are under no immediate pressure to sell.

Doumbia signed a contract running until 2031, which includes an €80million release clause.

The Portuguese club are competing for the domestic title and participating in the Champions League, making a mid-season departure particularly difficult.

A Bola reports that Sporting would only consider selling Doumbia in January if they received an irresistible offer.

The report does not specify the fee Sporting would demand.

Although Newcastle are considered capable of making a substantial bid, there is currently no indication that they intend to submit a formal January offer.

Brentford remain interested, while Juventus and Roma are also keeping track of the midfielder's development.

Newcastle and Brentford must decide whether to turn their interest into concrete proposals when the January window opens.

Sporting's strong negotiating position means any deal is likely to require a significant financial commitment, with the Portuguese club currently determined to retain Doumbia.