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Report: Newcastle enter talks with Benfica about Andreas Samaris loan

Rafael Benitez the head coach (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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After two years of links, Samaris is finally expected to sign for Newcastle United with the Premier League club allegedly eyeing a loan deal.

Benfica's midfielder Andreas Samaris during the match between SL Benfica and Torino for the Eusebio Cup at Estadio da Luz on July 27, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal.

With just two days to go until the January transfer window slams shut, Newcastle United could finally be edging closer to their first couple of signings.

According to the Chronicle, the Magpies have now entered talks with Benfica about a short-term loan deal for the experienced Greece international Andreas Samaris.

At the age of 29, Samaris is not a typical Newcastle signing given that he has very little re-sale value but he’d add a combative streak in the centre of the park as well as a real winning mentality. He has won three Primeira Liga titles since joining Benfica from Olympiakos in 2014.

Samaris, however, has made just one league start all season after falling down the pecking order in recent months.

Andreas Samaris of Greece runs with the ball during the International Friendly match between the Australian Socceroos and Greece at Etihad Stadium on June 7, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

Interestingly, Newcastle have been looking at the 33-cap international since the summer of 2017, with the Sun then claiming that the Tynesiders were willing to offer £18 million to bring him to St James’ Park.

But Rafa Benitez could now get one of his most long-standing targets for absolutely nothing. Samaris’s contract at Benfica expires in the summer so do not rule out a permanent switch should he impress between now and May.

Benfica's Greek midfielder Andreas Samaris in action during the Primeira Liga football match Sporting CP vs SL Benfica at the Alvadade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 5, 2018.