O’Rourke: Newcastle work on deal to sign defender in January
Newcastle United are working on a deal to sign Tomas Araujo from Benfica, 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 Magpies are “continuing their hunt for a new centre-back.”
Eddie Howe has been looking to bolster his options in this position dating back to the summer transfer window and their failed pursuit of Marc Guehi, and it remains a position he wants to strengthen.
The 22-year-old has broken into the Portugal national team recently under Roberto Martinez and is being seen as a player to keep an eye on.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that a number of top clubs across Europe are doing their homework on Araujo, giving Newcastle competition.
Aruajo has made 12 appearances for Benfica this season and has become a mainstay within the team.
Newcastle United will have to pay big for Tomas Araujo
Newcastle will have to pay a high fee to try and sign Araujo as he’s got a huge release clause in his contract, with his deal expiring in 2028.
Aruajo’s release clause is £84million, which is a fee that Newcastle are not interested in paying.
However, the Magpies are going to continue to keep tabs on Aruajo throughout the season as he is seen as an ideal option to enhance Howe’s backline.
Aruajo has experience in the Champions League, which is a competition that the Magpies are looking to regularly be part of.
Howe’s side are currently eighth in the table, but only one point away from the top four.
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