Newcastle United could now beat Barcelona to a transfer for Alex Grimaldo, as Sport report Benfica have warmed to holding talks over a last-ditch deal to offload their star defender.
As Aguias intended to retain the Spaniard beyond the winter market closing next Monday, but have eased their stance. So, Barcelona are now looking to advance their interest in the 26-year-old’s return. The Blaugrana sold Grimaldo to Benfica for €1.5m (£1.25m) in 2015.
Barcelona opened discussions with Benfica for Grimaldo as boss Xavi Hernandez feels the La Masia product best suits his project. But the Camp Nou natives can only afford to strike a loan deal featuring an obligation to buy. They are also yet to settle on his ultimate fee.
Relations between Benfica and Barcelona are good, and the Portuguese outfit are open to including players in exchange. As Aguias admire Oscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig, but also like Alex Balde. Nelson Verissimo’s side also consider the latter a more appropriate choice.
However, the Blaugrana’s need to free funds from their wage bill could block a deal. Their delicate finances also ruled out a move for Nicolas Tagliafico as Ajax refused a loan-to-buy deal. Barcelona also considered Jose Gaya, but Valencia intend to agree a new contract.
Newcastle could now beat Barcelona to transfer of Benfica’s Grimaldo
Grimaldo is inclined to accept Barcelona’s offer of a return to Catalunya if they can agree a fee with Benfica. He is now waiting for word from the Camp Nou, where the full-back never featured despite captaining their B-team. He played 92 times for the Blaugrana’s reserves.
Newcastle could yet beat Barcelona to a transfer for Benfica defender Grimaldo, however. Jornal de Noticias reported last weekend that Eddie Howe is ready to offer As Aguias €20m (£16.5m). So, a straight cash sum may prove too appealing with Benfica now open to talks.
Grimaldo could offer Howe a creative option at left-back if Newcastle beat Barcelona to a transfer with Benfica this month. He has four goals and five assists after 30 appearances so far this season. Former Aguias Sporting Director Tiago Pinto also ranks him among the elite.
“Grimaldo is one of the best five left-backs in Europe,” Pinto said, via quotes by BeSoccer. “Many Benfica players are ready to, someday, play in a world-class team. Grimaldo is good enough to play for any side right now.”
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