Newcastle’s centre-back search is going on as the window nears closing with names like Sven Botman and Diego Carlos looking out of grasp for the Magpies.
They are increasingly focusing on other options and have been linked with wanting to sign Diop from West Ham.
Despite their interest, the Magpies have not lodged any bid with the Hammers yet, but if they do it will not find success.
The Hammers are planning to refuse any bid made for Diop as they intend to hang on to the player beyond this window.
Angelo Ogbonna is out with an injury for the rest of the season and the Hammers do not like the prospect of finding themselves further short in the centre-back area.
The Hammers themselves are trying to get a centre-back in the door, but their bid for Marseille star Duje Caleta-Car has been rejected.
Diop has started in eight of the Hammers’ last nine league matches and the London club view him as a pivotal part of their squad as the season goes forward.
