Newcastle leading race to sign Benfica star after €35m bid – Big claims from Portugal

According to reports emerging from Portugal today, Newcastle are ‘leading the race’ for Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva.

This comes via popular Portuguese outlet A Bola, who claim that we’ve already had an opening offer rejected for the 20-year-old centre-back, with Benfica president Rui Costa turning down a proposal worth €35m (£29.5m) plus £15m (£12.5m) in potential bonuses.

A Bola report that we ‘could return to the negotiating table’ for Silva, but must come back with a superior offer, with Benfica willing to sell the defender in a bid to raise some much-needed funds. However, it’s believed they are holding out for €60m (£50m), requiring Newcastle to up their offer considerably if reports around our opening bid are true.

The 6ft 2′ centre-back has played 122 times for Benfica, scoring 10 goals, and has made 20 appearances across European competitions, playing 14 games in the UEFA Champions League.

This isn’t the first time we’ve been linked with Silva; a right-sided centre-back who ticks plenty of boxes in terms of his age, profile and potential.  He’s been capped 13 times by Portugal, although his last appearance saw him make a costly mistake in a group stage defeat to Georgia at Euro 2024.

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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