Newcastle United were reportedly close to signing Andreas Samaris from Benfica but it appears they will now miss out.
Newcastle United’s reported interest in Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris has dragged on throughout the last two months and, with just a fortnight remaining in the transfer window, it appears that The Magpies are no closer to a deal.
O Jogo reported in late July that Newcastle were close to signing the Greek international after making a bid of around £13.4 million, with talks progressing smoothly between The Magpies and the Portuguese title winners.
Since then, however, the trail appears to have grown cold with Samaris still a Benfica player and the Portuguese season now up and running.
Another one bites the dust?
And, according to Record, Newcastle may have missed the boat with Samaris interested in signing a new deal in order to commit his future to Benfica. The 28-year-old, who has won the league title in each of his three seasons in Lisbon, is under contract until 2019 but could extend that this summer.
As such, it is likely that Samaris’ market value will rise and it is not unknown for Portuguese clubs to include a vastly increased release clause in new contracts.
Therefore, with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley admitting that Newcastle cannot compete with the majority of their Premier League rivals in the transfer market, it appears that the club may be priced out of yet another target this summer.
The central midfield position is an area Newcastle may need to strengthen with Jonjo Shelvey now ruled out for the next three games for a petulant and needless stamp on Dele Alli in Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Furthermore, The Mail reports that Jack Colback is certain to leave after a fall out with Rafael Benitez.
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