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Newcastle United transfer round up: Magpies receive Ojo boost and Benfica name their price as Benitez suffers double blow

Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez (REUTERS)
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It’s been another busy day in the world of Newcastle United transfer rumours.

There appears to be some light at the end of a very long, June tunnel on the Newcastle United transfer front.

The Independent reports the Magpies are leading the race to sign Sheyi Ojo on loan and, not only that, the Liverpool winger wants a move to St James’ Park ahead of fellow suitors Middlesbrough and Burnley.

Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo in action with Plymouth Argyle's Ben PurringtonLiverpool’s Sheyi Ojo [left]

Newcastle are also said to have received a green light from Benfica, who will sell midfielder Andreas Samaris and defender Lisandro Lopez for the princely sum of £26.6 million, according to O Jogo.

Rafa Benitez’s side have been linked with both players over the past few days, and it is claimed they have already offered £13.2 million for Samaris alone.

On another positive note, Newcastle outcast Tim Krul is being monitored by Montpellier according to The Chronicle, which – and we’re being purely speculative here – could boost the Magpies’ chances of landing winger Ryad Boudebouz from the French side.

Continuing the Gallic theme, the same publication reports that United are still awaiting a response from Yoan Gouffran regarding his new contract. Boudebouz, or even Ojo for that matter, would be suitable replacement should the 31-year-old decide to fly the nest.

However, there is, as ever, some bad news, with Martin Skrtel insisting he does not want to move to Newcastle or anyone this summer.

Martin Skrtel wit Rafa Benitez after signing for Liverpool.Martin Skrtel [left] with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool

“I don’t want to leave, I have settled in and want to remain at Fenerbahce,” the defender, who was signed by Benitez at Liverpool, told Turkish Football.

And Sky Sport Italia reports that another alleged Magpies target is set to slip through the net, as Lyon’s Maxime Gonalons heading to Roma.

What are your hopes for the rest of Newcastle’s transfer window?