It doesn’t matter how close Benfica stand to signing Benjamin Hollheiser from Estudiantes, Newcastle continue to be linked to him.
The latest story on the winger’s future comes from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, who feature a piece claiming the player’s transfer to the Eagles should be concluded before the end of the year.
Benfica are well served in their attack, and that’s why they accept only taking him to Lisbon next summer. Still, they want to guarantee the signing as soon as possible.
There’s a good reason for that, and that’s the competition from European clubs. Newcastle are named as a contender, with O Jogo saying the Magpies ‘watch’ the player.
However, it really looks like the talks for a Benfica move are far more advanced, as his agent is expected in Lisbon for final negotiations, as there’s ‘optimism between the two parties’. They’re currently talking about a transfer worth around €9m.
There’s no doubt Newcastle could afford that amount, and as they don’t seem to take action for the signing, the only possible explanation is that despite their attention towards the player, they’re not that keen on making an effort for the move right now.
