Newcastle told £40m’ Antonio Silva offer could be accepted – sources
Newcastle United could secure the services of Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva with a £40-45million bid, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 21-year-old is a “very highly rated young player.”
The Portugal international is someone who would tick all of the boxes that the Magpies are looking for in a defender.
Eddie Howe has been wanting to strengthen this area of the squad since last season, which is why the club worked hard to try to sign Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window.
Newcastle were ultimately unsuccessful in signing the Crystal Palace defender, and attention has now turned to potential other options.
However, well-placed sources have informed Football Insider that there will be a lot of interest in Silva if Benfica decides to sell him.
Newcastle United could provide Antonio Silva with more game time
Silva has had limited game time for Benfica this season as he has only made 11 appearances in all competitions, with just five taking place in Liga Portugal.
Thomas Araujo is one of the players keeping him out of the team currently and he is also gaining interest in the Premier League, but Benfica will not let both players leave in January or potentially the summer window next year.
Newcastle had attempted to sign Guehi for £70million, therefore there are questions from fans about where that money is and whether they have it available to spend again in January.
Newcastle are keen to avoid any potential point deductions, meaning they might have to sell players to buy in January.
In other news, Harvey Barnes exit bombshell: O’Rourke drops ‘shock’ Newcastle claim.
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