Amar Dedić agrees to move as Newcastle and Benfica negotiate fee - Report
In a new report from Bosnian outlet SportSport, we now seem to know how far Newcastle are willing to go to secure Dedić.
We first got wind of the story a few days ago when Sam C broke the story, before Fabrizio Romano confirmed it that talks were taking place.
A few days have passed, and with no local media in the North East denying the story, it appears to be moving forward.
Newcastle close to Benfica valuation
Overall, it seems like this has the potential to get wrapped up pretty quickly. SportSport suggest that Newcastle are willing to go to €30m, while Benfica want around €33m.
Negotiations will obviously start at a lower figure, but talks have started and there’s not a big gap in valuations.
The same report reckons Dedić has already agreed personal terms and is keen on the move, with Benfica happy enough to cash in. That might be a worry, but it’s suggested they would rather lose Dedić than someone like Schjelderup.
Being a local Bosnian outlet, it also adds a level of weight to the rumour. We saw similar things with the Dutch media when it came to Sean Steur. In fact, that deal happened so quickly, many fans went to sleep having no idea who Steur was, and by the morning we’d signed him.
There is always the rightful level of caution when a Newcastle deal goes public, with the club's usual style this window being to do deals quickly and in secret.
We desperately need a full-back
Shahar and M Miley have had to play most of pre-season at right back due to injuries to Livramento and the club's lack of other options. Given Jaissle and Dedić worked together at RB Salzburg, it’s a deal that makes a lot of sense.
Around £30m is a fair bit of change, but given the club's desperate need for some sort of win, this deal could get done quickly. There is also a report from Mark Douglas today, where he states that
“The word is a breakthrough on at least one is close, and news could coincide with the weekend double-header against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg.“
A player unveiling at the weekend would be a big plus for the club, and given Dedić is currently in Scotland with Benfica, the travel will be quick.
