Breaking news from Portugal today that Newcastle United have had a £12m bid accepted for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ruben Semedo after NUFC representatives arrived in Portugal to push through a deal.
It has been well documented that a centre-back is high on the list of priorities for Rafa Benitez, with the Spaniard understood to be targeting TWO centre-halves this summer.
Whilst there has been several links to Eliaquim Mangala in recent days, a move for Semedo appears to be in the offing.
Portuguese source ‘O’Jogo’ recently claimed that United had seen a £10.4m bid for the defender rejected, however the same source (O’Jogo) now report that a £12m deal has been agreed after Newcastle United officials arrived in Portugal to negotiate a move for the highly-rated centre-back. O’Jogo also state that Sporting Lisbon will receive 20% of any future for Semedo as part of the agreement.
The transfer fee had appeared to have been the sticking point, with Lisbon previously believed to be demanding £17m for the player, but Newcastle officials appear to have acted quickly to tie up a deal.
Semedo would be considered quite a coup if Benitez was able to pull this one off, with several reports crediting Southampton, Everton, West Ham and AC Milan with an interest in the 23-year-old.
Here’s Ruben in action for Sporting Lisbon last season..
Awesome, that’s us sorted at CB. Goalkeeper almost sorted too. Get in an upgrade for Dummet next and that’s the defence prem ready.
Grafton(Quote)
Great asset for us I hope we can secure a good stricker as well
Rob Campbell(Quote)
Agent says it all fake apparently.
Looks like he likes to dive in. 😯 I’m not sure he’d get away with that against PL forwards in the penalty area. I would like to see Mbemba plus a physical CB start next season. He looks too similar to Mbemba.
DJG(Quote)