The Portuguese international would go down a storm at Newcastle United.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo and later relayed in England by the Daily Star, Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho this summer, and he is exactly what the Magpies need to bolster their midfield ahead of their Premier League return.
The 25-year-old has long been linked with a move to England, and while he has thus far remained in his homeland it seems Sporting are willing to cash in on him this summer.
Newcastle’s over reliance on the under-performing Jack Colback this season proved the need to significantly strengthen in the centre of the park, and William is the hard-tackling, no-nonsense holding midfielder they need as they bid to build on their Championship-winning success this year.
At 25, he is also reaching his peak and if Newcastle can secure a deal they could benefit from a risk no one else has been willing to take thus far.
The 30-capped Portugal international burst onto the scene as a youngster and has gone on to make 155 appearances for Sporting, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists in the process.
He is the kind of player Newcastle should now be targeting and he would allow Newcastle’s more attack-minded players to get forward knowing they have a quality player shielding their defence.
Only time will tell if Magpies manager Rafa Benitez gets his man, but it seems clear he is looking at the right calibre of player to lead Newcastle to a new era on the pitch.
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