Newcastle United reportedly want to bring Benfica midfielder Samaris to the Premier League but he allegedly has no interest in moving to Aston Villa.
Rafa Benitez looked set to finally sign his long-time midfield target Andreas Samaris before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
The Express reported on Wednesday that Newcastle United were on the verge of signing the 29-year-old Greece international from Portuguese giants Benfica, with Samaris understood to be heading to England for a medical with the Tyneside club.
But, in a dramatic late twist, Record claims that Aston Villa have suddenly hi-jacked Newcastle’s bid for the experienced enforcer.
The report claims that Villa have offered him a two-and-a-half year contract worth around £3.5 million.
But Newcastle might not have anything to fear. Because Record adds that Samaris has turned down a move to the Championship with Villa tenth in the table and falling adrift of the play-off places.
Samaris is out of contract at the end of the season and Newcastle reportedly want to sign him on loan from now until May. The midfielder would bring a winning mentality to St James’ Park given that he has lifted the league title on four occasions during successful spells at Olympiakos in his homeland and Benfica.
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