The word in Portugal this Monday is that Newcastle United are interested in signing Benfica winger Rafa Silva.
The Magpies’ chase for the player has been confirmed by his own agent, Antonio Araujo, in an interview with Rádio Renascença this afternoon.
Speaking to show Bola Branca, the representative claimed the Premier League side are following this client, but makes sure to say that Silva’s priority would be to sign a new deal with Benfica.
“They are one of those interested, are one of the interested. Whatever happens, will happen. Now, the main focus is to be champion,” Antonio Araujo told Rádio Renascença.
“Benfica know what Rafa wants, we are waiting calmly. I think it’s going to happen because there is a will from the club and there is Rafa’s will as well. The player is well at Benfica, now he wants to see his salary situation go to what he really represents for Benfica.”
Rafa Silva’s contract with Benfica is still the same one he signed back in 2016, when he moved to Lisbon from Braga in a €16m deal.
Now with 19 goals and three assists this season, the winger has finally found some good form for the Eagles, holding a starting place in the team for most of the season. That’s why he believes he deserves more.
Silva is currently protected by a €60m release clause, and Renascença says Araújo ‘doesn’t rule out’ decreasing that amount.
It’s also claimed that Newcastle United watched Silva at the weekend, although the local press actually reported the Magpies’ visit to the Estádio da Luz as a trip to scout Andreas Samaris.
