Newcastle United could be handed a fresh chance at signing Benfica star Antonio Silva, with a deal there to be done this summer.
That’s according to A Bola, who report that Silva is looking likely to depart in the coming months as the Portuguese club prefer Nicolas Otamendi and Tomas Araujo as their central pair.
Newcastle wanted to sign the defender last summer and made a proposal of €35m, which could have been raised to €50m with objectives, but Benfica refused and instead demanded his €100m release clause be matched.
They would now be willing to negotiate for amounts lower than that clause but will only release the player if they receive a ‘considerable offer’.
The 21-year-old continues to attract interest, despite being in and out of the side this season, and Juventus were also keen in the January transfer window.
Whether Benfica’s willingness to do a deal now tempts Newcastle back in, remains to be seen. They could certainly do with strengthening their options in that department as Sven Botman continues to struggle with injuries.
Silva is very much there to be signed, although Benfica still want a considerable sum if they are to let him go.
