Newcastle United are set to battle Chelsea for centre-back Tomas Araujo, according to reports.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo has revealed that the 22-year-old defender is being monitored by Premier League clubs, including Eddie Howe’s Mags and Crystal Palace.
It’s reported that Benfica are open to some potential player exits next year, though it’s thought they aim to retain key talent until the summer, suggesting a January deal may be difficult.
The story states that Chelsea and Palace are more advanced than the Magpies, as both clubs have already opened talks with Benfica over a possible move for Araujo, but it seems Newcastle are considering a move.
A sticking point may be the player’s release clause which is set at a substantial €100 million. However, offers lower than that amount will be considered, even though an asking price is not revealed in O Jogo’s piece.
Newcastle are waiting on the return of defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman, both of whom sustained long-term injuries last season. Howe said of Botman’s return before Newcastle’s 3-1 win at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest. “We hope Sven can begin light training in the next few weeks. If we see him before the end of the year that would be a bonus. We are probably looking at more like January.”
Araujo plays as a right-sided central defender predominantly, though he is capable of featuring on the opposite flank and even as a right-back. He is a versatile player and is considered to be one of the rising young stars in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
