Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on Sporting defender Ruben Semedo.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Portugal newspaper O Jogo claimed on Thursday (in the online edition) that Newcastle have offered a fee of around £12.5 million for Sporting Lisbon defender Ruben Semedo.
The Magpies officials were present in Lisbon where discussions were held and the offer was made.
Sporting have accepted the offer that covers 80% of the player’s rights. However, the player’s agent has refuted such claims.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Semedo celebrates scoring his sides third goal with teammate Farley Rosa
On Friday morning, O Jogo had an update on the story on their print edition (page 10).
They claim that the meeting was held in front of Sporting’s president, Bruno de Carvalho, and all the parties have reached a verbal agreement regarding the transfer of the 23-year-old defender.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Semedo in action against Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
O Jogo adds that Newcastle will have to pay a compensation of £26 million (30 million Euros) if Semedo returns to Portugal in the next five years. Plus, Sporting will have the right of first refusal on a future sale.
The report states that discussion about final offer and terms of payments are ongoing and should be completed within the next few days.
The defender is currently focussed on representing Portugal’s U-21 team, but O Jogo sounds confident that Semedo should be wearing the Newcastle shirt very shortly.
General view outside St James’ Park
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