Do Newcastle have the perfect chance to finally land Benfica’s Andre Carrillo

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Benfica are willing to let one-time Newcastle United target Andre Carrillo leave but Marco Silva’s Watford are at the front of the queue.

It is fair to say Newcastle United fans will be more than aware of the name Andre Carrillo. After all, barely a transfer window has gone by without the sprightly Peruvian being linked with a move to St James’ Park.

According to O Jogo, Newcastle made an offer to Sporting Lisbon of around £7.5 million in the January 2015 transfer window. Speculation arose again in February as Newcastle sent scouts to watch Carrillo’s current club, Benfica, defeat Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie, as reported by Saposport.

Carrillo needs a fresh start

And it appears that Carrillo could finally be on his way to England this summer, but with Watford rather than Newcastle. The Hertfordshire Mercury reports that the Hornets are interested in signing the 26-year-old, who worked with manager Marco Silva at Sporting, on a season-long loan deal.

And Benfica will be more than willing to let him go.

Carillo’s reputation has nosedived since making a controversial switch from one Lisbon giant to another in the summer of 2016. He was suspended during his final season at Sporting for refusing to sign a new contract, being accused of ‘treachery’ and ‘damaging the club’, the report adds.

And his debut season at Benfica did not go to plan either, with 17 of his 20 Primeira Liga appearences coming from the substitute’s bench.

However, the left-winger remains a thrilling talent on his day and it appears obvious that Newcastle should renew their interest. After all, manager Rafael Benitez is desperate to enhance his options on the flanks and, with Norwich City playing hardball over Jacob Murphy, Carrillo’s availability may be perfectly timed.

Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez

Two-and-a-half years after first registering their interest, Carrillo could be handed to Newcastle on a platter. Although they will have to move quick with Watford closing in.