Newcastle United are expecting to complete the signing of Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Despite strong interest from Southampton, as reported by The Mirror, it seems that Newcastle United is ahead of others to sign Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo.
Newcastle have been reportedly in talks with the player’s agent, and now are ready to lodge a formal bid to secure his arrival.
Portugal newspaper O Jogo reported that Magpies have reached a verbal agreement for the player already. Newcastle reportedly have offered in the region of £12 million that covers 80% of the player’s rights.
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According to reports from The Chronicle (printed edition page 69), United are ready to improve their bid to £15 million, which they believe would be enough to prise the 23-year-old away from the Portugal club.
Semedo does have a £39 million release clause, but Sporting Lisbon are ready to do business at a much reduced rate.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Semedo in action against Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The report adds that the deal is taking time because of Sporting’s request of a future 50% sell fee, were Semedo to be a hit at St James’ Park.
They would also demand a 30 million euros in compensation if Newcastle were to sell him to another Portuguese side.
Semedo’s agent, Catio Balde, has been in contact with the Magpies over the deal in the last few days, and all parties are expecting to come to a successful solution within this week.
General view outside St James’ Park
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