Odysseas Vlachodimos has distanced himself from reports suggesting he’s held talks with Newcastle United, speaking to Kicker ahead of Benfica’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Of course, this does not mean that there is no truth in reports suggesting that Amanda Staveley was negotiating a deal to bring the German-born Greece international to St James’ Park late last year.
We are living in a world of media-trained athletes, after all, and what was Vlachodimos going to do? Confirm, on the verge of one of the biggest games in Benfica’s recent history, that he is set to leave the Portuguese giants in a matter of weeks?
“The Premier League is special with its packed stadiums and incredible atmosphere,” Vlachodimos said.
“But I’m not thinking about that at the moment. I feel very comfortable at Benfica and in Portugal. My contract also runs for two years.”
When pressed further on reports that he held talks with a nouveau-riche Newcastle side in December, the former Stuttgart man was quick to close down that particular line of enquiry.
“As I said, I’m currently only focusing on Benfica,” he adds. None of that (speculation) matters. There is no reason right now to concern myself with other clubs.”
Newcastle United’s next goalkeeper?
The Mirror (5 December, page 70) backed up claims from Greece regarding Newcastle’s interest. They claim that the Tynesiders will stump up a substantial transfer fee for the £30 million-rated one-time Sheffield United target.
What’s more, Newcastle have been watching Vlachodimos since 2018, suggesting that the 27-year-old has been on head of recruitment Steve Nickson’s radar for some time now.
Vlachodimos is not the only talented shot-stopper on the Magpies’ summer wishlist. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Dean Henderson, Bernd Leno, Ugurcan Cakir and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez have also been linked.
The Sun believe that Sanchez, who has been called up to the Spain squad and is renowned for his impressive distribution, is Howe’s top target. Newcastle are readying an opening bid of £20 million.
The appointment of former Brighton chief Dan Ashworth as the club’s new director of football could help get a deal over the line.
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