It seems it’s never too late to do a scouting job, as Newcastle United had officials in Lisbon to watch Benfica’s last game of the season on Sunday.
Local newspapers such as A Bola report the Magpies sent emissaries to watch the Eagles beat Moreirense 1-0.
Even though Porto have already been crowned Portuguese champions this season, the game still meant a big deal for Benfica, who had to guarantee their Champions League spot.
A Bola doesn’t have any info on who Newcastle United were watching, although that if we take a look at recent reports, we could have an educated guess about it.
Some Newcastle United fans may remember that the club got linked to Benfica midfielder Franco Cervi last month.
The reports started in England, and then were confirmed by the Portuguese press, who claimed that the Magpies were ‘heading’ the race for the Argentine player. It was also stated the 23 year old will cost €30m.
And it seems it was a good afternoon to watch him, because some newspapers as O Jogo picked Cervi as the man of the match.
The player was much praised for ‘disorganising the opponent’s defence’, and being ‘the fastest player’ for the home side.
Now with the transfer window coming, let’s see if this performance was enough for Rafa Benitez’s side to go after him.
Newcastle were obviously not the only Premier League club doing a scouting job. Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Manchester United officials have followed the game as well.
