Fresh reports claim NUFC have revived their interest in £13m midfielder - deal said to be 'close'
News has emerged from Greek and Portuguese outlets today suggesting Newcastle are 'set to sign' formerly linked Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris, with a deal in the region of €15m (£13.5m) close to being agreed.
Newcastle’s official media partner, The Mirror, broke an exclusive story on the 6ft 2' defensive midfielder this time last month, claiming we were closing in on a £17.5m deal to sign Greek international.
Since then, interest appeared to have cooled, with more local reports suggesting Newcastle were in fact unwilling to meet Benfica's €20m valuation - seemingly reasonable given he is 28.
https://twitter.com/foetball247/status/890137401095593984
Fresh reports from Portuguese outlet 'O Jogo' have emerged today, however, claiming that Newcastle are close to striking a €15m (£13.5m) deal with Benfica - which seems realistic given Newcastle were previously unwilling to pay the £20 (£18m) asking price.
Benfica are said to be closing in on the signing of fellow defensive midfielder Santiago Ascacíbar, only adding to the likelihood of Samaris' exit.
Given the conflicting reports from Portuguese press during our 'pursuit' of Ruben Semedo earlier this summer, it's hard to take this with anything other than a pinch of salt.
Newcastle's interest in Samaris has been previously confirmed, but time will tell if this deal is at the advanced stage today's reports suggest.
