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Should Newcastle enter race for William Carvalho after report claims he is available for £21.5 million?

Portugal v Hungary - World Cup 2018 Qualifiers (REUTERS)
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The West Bromwich Albion-linked star could be the ideal summer signing for Newcastle United.

Portugal's William Carvalho and Sweden's Oscar Lewicki in action William Carvalho in action for Portugal

The Birmingham Mail are reporting today that long-term Baggies target William Carvalho will be made available by Sporting Lisbon in the summer for the reduced fee of £21.5 million.

The report does not state whether West Brom actually intend to go back in for the 24-year-old powerhouse, but after Tony Pulis brought Jake Livermore to the Hawthorns in January, it is unlikely that he will sign a player so similar to the 27-year-old this summer.

There is another club in England who would benefit greatly from having Carvalho amongst their ranks, however…and they are not even in the Premier League at the moment.

The Magpies have performed admirably this season, and currently sit top of the Championship table.

Rafa Benitez’ men look like they will gain promotion to the Premier League, barring any kind of late season collapse.

And if they do in fact earn their place in England’s top flight, they should move for the Sporting Lisbon star without hesitation.

England's Jack Wilshere in action with Portugal's William CarvalhoPortugal’s William Carvalho

Carvalho would be the ideal central midfield partner for Jonjo Shelvey, and his tenacious playing style would bring something to the Newcastle midfield which they do not currently possess.

And with the riches that come along with promotion to the Premier League, the transfer fee needed to prise the Portuguese away from Sporting, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail, would not be out of the Tyneside outfit’s reach.

The step up from the Championship to the Premier League is a huge one, and Benitez will have to ensure that he recruits accordingly, if his side do in fact gain promotion.

Carvalho would be the kind of statement signing that would prove Newcastle United’s ambitions, and give their fans something to shout about.

Portugal's William Carvalho in action with Austria's David Alaba William Carvalho in action for Portugal