Newcastle baulk at eight-figure asking price put on 28-time international target- report
By Harvey Byrne
Newcastle are unwilling to meet the mega eight-figure asking price put on midfielder target Andreas Samaris, according to a report.
The Mirror claimed on Friday that the Toon were closing in on the signing of the Benfica midfielder, who is being valued at £17.5million.
However, the Shields Gazette have reported on their website on Saturday that the Magpies have “baulked” at Benfica’s asking price.
The Gazette report does detail that Newcastle have made a move for the 28-time capped Greece international.
However, they are not willing to break the bank to sign the 28-year-old.
Samaris has been a part of the Benfica team for three years after joining from Greek giants Olympiacos in a deal worth £8.75million in the summer of 2014.
He has since gone on to play 110 times in total for the club, helping them to lift the Primeira Liga three times and last season alone he played 32 times in all competitions in their title defence.
But, with just two years remaining on his contract at the Portuguese giants Newcastle may feel that he is being overvalued.
Football Insider verdict:
Newcastle are in desperate need of a new central midfield player this summer as they look to bolster their options for the Premier League. However, they should not be held to ransom for a player and Mike Ashley is especially known for looking to spend as little as possible. Sanaris is a talented played and even played four times in the Champions League last, showing the calibre of player that the Magpies are looking at. But, £17.5million is a vast amount of money for a player unproven in the Premier League and there may be better value elsewhere.
In other Newcastle transfer news, the Magpies are in the running to sign this 24-time capped Spain forward.
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