According to The Sunday Mirror (27/06, p74), Newcastle United are top of the list of clubs Rafa Silva’s representatives are targeting for a move.
The Magpies don’t have huge money to spend this summer, but Steve Bruce absolutely needs reinforcements ahead of next season.
More attacking players would be ideal in order to support Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, and Benfica star Rafa would certainly fit the bill.
Rafa agents target Newcastle move
It’s claimed that Rafa is available this summer because Benfica need to raise funds for their own signings, and his agents have started seeking potential suitors.
Newcastle are claimed to be top of the list, which may go back to when Rafael Benitez wanted to bring the winger to Tyneside in 2019.
Rafa can be signed for £30million this summer, but whether Mike Ashley would support paying that kind of money for a 28-year-old remains to be seen.
Who is Rafa Silva?
Formerly of Feirense and Braga, Rafa has spent the last five years at Benfica. Last season, he racked up nine goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
This summer, Rafa has played for Portugal at Euro 2020, making a huge impact as a substitute against Hungary. He set up Raphael Guerreiro’s opener, won the penalty for Cristiano Ronaldo’s first and them set up his second in a 3-0 win.
The Portuguese press went wild for Rafa after that cameo, with Infobae comparing Rafa to Jesus Navas, Andres Inieista and Raheem Sterling all in one paragraph – quite the blend of players, and a package that Newcastle fans would surely love to see.
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