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Report: Newcastle could soon open negotiations with Benfica over Nuno Tavares

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Newcastle United could soon open negotiations with Benfica over talented young full-back Nuno Tavares.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Magpies have already made initial contact with the two-time European Cup winners.

Arsenal FC v SL Benfica  - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg Two
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Tavares, who made his debut for the first-team back in August 2019, has actually struggled for minutes this season.

He’s clocked up 20 appearances so far, but only nine of those have been as a starter according to WhoScored.

The youngster – known for his speed, which football agent Cesar Boaventura recently talked up – has struggled with a couple of different injury problems, and also had to miss a few games back in January due to testing positive for Covid-19.

SL Benfica V UD Vilafranquense - Portuguese Cup
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His lack of minutes this season does not seem to have put Newcastle off though, with Record reporting the Magpies are ready to step up their pursuit.

Whether Benfica sell though could be dependent on whether they manage to sign Ruben Vinagre from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Tavares transfer would be a shock

The links to Tavares just don’t seem to be disappearing which does make one wonder if Newcastle actually will make a move.

FBL-EUR-C3-STANDART-BENFICA
Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images

Given the money that was spent on Jamal Lewis last year, it would definitely be a surprise if the club stumped up the cash for Tavares, who does have very exciting potential.

Newcastle are yet to see the best of Lewis, which does make it difficult to see Mike Ashley making funds available for another young left-back.