Newcastle are “keeping a close eye” on Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, according to TEAMtalk.
The website claims that both the Magpies and Aston Villa are seriously contemplating bids for the 21-year-old ahead of the January transfer window.
Silva could potentially be available on a loan-to-buy arrangement, which would be particularly attractive for Eddie Howe’s side.
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The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules mean that they may have trouble sourcing the €50m (£41m) needed to sign the Portuguese international outright next month.
However, if Benfica are open to an initial loan deal, it would give Newcastle greater room for manoeuvre financially.
Silva would be much cheaper than Guehi
The Magpies did try to sign a centre-half last summer but negotiations to buy Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace stalled over the price tag. The Eagles were reportedly demanding as much as £80m and their valuation has still not shifted despite the player’s contract nearing its final 18 months.
Silva would, therefore, be a much more economical option. The defender doesn’t have any Premier League experience, which is the main downside, but he does possess a great deal of potential.
Newcastle may have their plans scuppered by Chelsea and Manchester United
TEAMtalk report that Benfica will only sanction Silva’s move if his teammate Tomas Araujo doesn’t leave in January.
Both Silva and Araujo play in the same position and the Portuguese side don’t want to be left short of options at the back.
Araujo has been heavily linked with a switch to Chelsea in recent months, while it seems Manchester United have been watching the player too.
With that being the case, Newcastle would be wise to make an early move for Silva so as to ensure they get their man.
Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here