DIEGO CARLOS has dealt Newcastle United a major blow by stating that he expects to remain at Sevilla until the end of the season.

Newcastle officials have spent the last fortnight trying to push through a deal for Carlos, in the hope of being able to field the Brazilian centre-half in Saturday’s crucial relegation clash at Leeds United.

While the Sevilla hierarchy have turned down two separate bids for Carlos, hopes of a successful deal increased earlier this week when the Spanish club hinted they were willing to discuss a settlement and representatives of the defender claimed he was keen on a move to Tyneside.

There were suggestions yesterday morning that Carlos had submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force through a move, but the centre-half played the full 90 minutes of his side’s 1-1 draw with Valencia.

And speaking after the game at the Mestalla, he announced that he does not expect to be leaving Sevilla imminently.

Speaking to Spain’s Ultima Hora show, Carlos said: “I have a lot of time left here (in Seville).”

His words were echoed by Sevilla’s assistant manager, Pablo Sanz, who was standing in for first-team coach Julen Lopetegui last night as the Sevilla boss has Covid.

Asked about Carlos’ position amid the ongoing links with Newcastle, Sanz said: “I think Diego Carlos will be (here) until the end of the season.”

The comments will be a major blow to Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, who had hoped to be able to include Carlos in his squad for Saturday’s trip to Elland Road.

Newcastle have held preliminary discussions about other defensive targets, and could also look to revisit their interest in Burnley’s James Tarkowski, but the chances of anyone being signed in time for the Leeds game now look extremely remote.

Similarly, while Newcastle have been linked with moves for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard and Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, neither player is expected to be on board ahead of the weekend.