Newcastle United were dragged into the race for Ruben Semedo a week ago, with Portuguese newspaper A Bola bringing Rafael Benitez’s club into the mix. The Sporting central defender has been receiving interest from several English clubs, according to the Portuguese press, but the Newcastle claims had a little more to them.
It was claimed Newcastle had already initiated contact with Semedo’s entourage to know what the player would think about a possible move to St James Park. There’s been no update on that via the Portuguese media, but if Newcastle interest is strong then they need to get a move on.
Lille were brought into the picture a few days ago, and the French club seem to be very serious with their interest. O Jogo report that Luis Campos, Lille’s sporting director, will be at Sporting’s final game of the season tonight against Chaves.
O Jogo say Campos could use the situation to kick start talks for Semedo, who has a buyout clause of €45m.
Lille, Newcastle, nor anyone else, will pay €45m for the 23 year old central defender. But, with it seeming increasingly like Sporting are keen to sell, there’s every chance they’ll take the first good offer.
Therefore, if Newcastle want him, the time to move is around about now.
