Newcastle are “considering making an advance in January” for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese publication names the Magpies as the likeliest club to step up and make a formal bid when the next transfer window opens.
Araujo has been the subject of interest from several Premier League teams. It is believed that Crystal Palace had a €30m bid rejected by Benfica in the summer.
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The offer from the Eagles was deemed unacceptable, as it was well below the 22-year-old’s €100m (£83m) release clause.
O Jogo claim that Chelsea also have made enquiries, while Manchester United have taken a look at the centre-back as well.
Can Newcastle afford to sign the player?
Eddie Howe’s side are still believed to have some issues with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules despite selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh during the last transfer window.
However, the club were willing to push the boat out for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, with reports suggesting that they tabled bids worth up to £65m. If that cash is still available, the Magpies could use those funds to finance a deal for Araujo instead.
What do fans need to know about Araujo?
The Portuguese international is a right-footed centre-half, who can also play at right-back if required. Considering that both Fabian Schar and captain Jamaal Lascelles are getting on in years, he seems to have the right profile to be a long-term replacement for either player.
Araujo came through the youth ranks at Benfica before gaining experience during a loan spell at Gil Vicente in the 2022/23 season. On his return to Lisbon, he didn’t become a regular starter straight away.
The centre-back has, though, featured prominently this campaign, having also received his first cap for Portugal last month in a Nations League game against Croatia.
Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here