Newcastle United have been linked with the Benfica midfielder for much of the summer so far.
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has refused to be drawn, when asked whether he will go after Benfica’s Andreas Samaris by the Shields Gazette.
Samaris has been heavily linked with Newcastle over recent times, with Benitez said to be keen to bring the 28-year-old to St. James’ Park.
However, Benitez refused to confirm or deny whether he was interested in signing the central midfielder.
“We don’t talk about names, because we have been linked with 100 names,” he said.
“I’m really pleased that you (the media) didn’t know [Mikel] Merino, because it means we are doing our job properly.”
Newcastle are set to bring in Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund in the near future, which bolsters their midfield options.
Newcastle already have the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Jack Colback already at the club, and Merino’s impending arrival means that Samaris may no longer be needed.
When Merino joins, Newcastle will have completed five signings so far this summer, with Benitez’s side’s transfer business starting to step up.
The Magpies get their season under way in mid August, when they take on title chasing Tottenham Hotspur.
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