Reliable journalist offers emphatic update on reported Newcastle pursuit of international midfielder
By Russell Edge
Newcastle have not made a bid for Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris despite recent reports, according to a reliable journalist.
Lee Ryder, the Chronicle’s chief sports writer, reports on his personal Twitter account that the Magpies have not yet submitted an offer to the Portuguese giants:
The news comes just hours after Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claimed that the North East side “are set to sign” the 28-year-old Greek international in a deal worth up the £13.5million, as reproduced by Football 24/7 on Twitter.
The 28-time-capped enforcer has been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside this summer, but it would now appear that a move is not as imminent as reported.
A natural defensive midfielder, he has made 110 appearances for Benfica since his move to the club back in 2014, and has helped them pick up three successive Portuguese league titles.
Football Insider verdict
Newcastle splashing out £13.5million on a 28-year-old goes against everything they have demonstrated in the transfer market recently, and if there are talks ongoing, they are likely to still be negotiations. While a new addition in the middle of the park would be a boost to the squad, it is not a necessity, with just Isaac Hayden lacking Premier League experience from the current options available to Rafael Benitez. The reported fee would be better spent on a proven Premier League goalscorer, as that is where Newcastle are lacking most right now, and with the purse strings looking tight at St James’ Park, Benitez will have to invest wisely. Still, the Spanish boss knows what his squad needs more than anyone, but it may take some convincing to bring Samaris in for a fee which owner Mike Ashley deems acceptable.
In other Newcastle transfer news, the Magpies are keeping an eye on this Championship attacker who could reunite with his brother on Tyneside.
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