The Portuguese press seem to have been quite surprised by how tough Newcastle United are being over Chancel Mbemba.
After the defender agreed personal terms with Porto and the club offered €6m, it was thought a move would quickly go through.
Mbemba even travelled to Portugal and everything looked like it was imminent, but Newcastle simply aren’t backing down too much from their position.
Monday’s edition of O Jogo reports that it’s clear Rafael Benitez isn’t counting on the defender but Newcastle have been ‘indifferent’ to the player’s standing falling, at least when it comes to transfer negotiations.
It’s reiterated that Porto don’t want to pay more than €6m and that Newcastle want as much of their €12m investment back as possible.
It had been thought the clubs had come to a compromise around €8m, but it doesn’t seem that is the case.
That Mbemba has agreed terms with Porto is reiterated, and Record say there’s now a ‘war of nerves’ going on with Newcastle.
When it gets to this stage it can become as much about pride and negotiation reputation as the genuine importance of an extra million or so.
