Newcastle open Ousmane Diabaté talks amid Tottenham interest

Newcastle United have reportedly opened negotiations to sign Gençlerbirliği midfielder Ousmane Diabaté, potentially putting them ahead of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford in the race for the 18-year-old.

The Guinea international has made rapid progress since moving to Turkey earlier this year, with his performances now attracting serious attention from England.

According to journalist Reşat Can Özbudak, Newcastle have started talks over a transfer, although it is not specified whether those discussions are with Gençlerbirliği, the player's representatives or both.

Diabaté only joined Gençlerbirliği earlier this year after leaving Guinean club Académie SOAR, but he has quickly forced his way onto the radar of Premier League scouts.

The defensive midfielder has already played 10 times for Gençlerbirliği's Under-19 side and seven matches for the senior team.

His progress also earned him a senior international debut for Guinea in June, further strengthening his reputation as an emerging prospect.

Newcastle are now attempting to position themselves at the front of the race, with Matthias Jaissle's side searching for another midfield addition.

Turkish outlet Fotospor also identifies the Magpies as one of the clubs pursuing Diabaté, with the youngster potentially having already played his final match for Gençlerbirliği.

Newcastle do not have a clear path to the midfielder.

Tottenham and Brentford are described as "seriously interested" in Diabaté, while Fenerbahçe have also been credited with an interest.

Spurs have been tracking him for some time. Reports in May claimed discussions were already taking place with the player's entourage as Tottenham explored the possibility of bringing him to England.

Brentford's involvement provides further Premier League competition, particularly given the club's track record of recruiting young players with development potential.

Newcastle's decision to begin negotiations could therefore prove significant if they want to move before their rivals.

Diabaté's unusual transfer situation could also affect the eventual price.

Académie SOAR allowed him to join Gençlerbirliği on a free transfer but retained a 40 per cent sell-on clause. That means a substantial portion of any fee received by the Turkish club would return to his former side.

As a result, Gençlerbirliği are expected to demand considerably more than Diabaté's reported €1m market valuation.

The midfielder also has three years remaining on his contract, removing any immediate pressure on the club to accept a reduced offer.

No specific asking price has yet been reported, but Newcastle's move into negotiations suggests the battle for one of Guinea's emerging talents is beginning to accelerate.

Newcastle must now attempt to reach an agreement before Tottenham or Brentford decide to accelerate their own interest.

Gençlerbirliği's strong contractual position and the substantial sell-on clause owed to Académie SOAR could push the asking price higher, despite Diabaté still being at the beginning of his senior career.

Should Newcastle move quickly for Diabaté before Tottenham and Brentford step up their interest, or would the 18-year-old be better served joining a club offering a clearer route to regular football? Have your say.