Newcastle United target Tomas Araujo was in action for Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
A top-class centre-back remains at the top of Newcastle United’s shopping list after failing to land their targets in the summer.
Newcastle remain interested in Marc Guehi ahead of January after Paul Mitchell walked away from a deal for the Crystal Palace defender.
But another target on Newcastle’s radar is Tomas Araujo, who is beginning to attract attention at Benfica.
Benfica responded to Newcastle’s interest in Araujo, insisting that they want to keep hold of him over January but a summer move could be on the cards.
Araujo would be a great signing for Newcastle due to his physique and versatility, but signing him would put a big dent in the January transfer budget. Araujo has a £84m release clause in his Benfica contract.
Newcastle target Tomas Araujo stars in Champions League
Araujo has been a key player for Benfica this season and he started for the Portuguese side against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Benfica found themselves 2-1 down to 10-men Monaco heading into the final 10 minutes of the match but completed a late comeback to win 3-2.
Araujo played the full 90 minutes and was a standout star for Benfica with a SofaScore rating of 7 – the highest across the defence.
The 22-year-old made four tackles, two clearances and one block and only lost one duel throughout the entire match.
He also made a last-ditch tackle to secure the win for Benfica.
As quoted by Portuguese outlet A Bola, Araujo said: “I think we were too relaxed in terms of defensive balance, but the team reacted well and then the individual quality of our players was incredible.”
What Portuguese media said about Tomas Araujo
After the match, Portuguese media gave their verdict on Aruajo’s performance and they showered him with praise.
O Jogo gave Araujo a 6/10 rating for his performance in defence and added: “He gradually understood better with Otamendi, in a very hard-working game, which demanded very high levels of concentration.”
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Newcastle appear to be at the front of the race for Araujo’s signature but European qualification might be essential to luring him away from Benfica.
Howe is expected to qualify for Europe this season and any chances of landing Araujo could evaporate if Newcastle miss out.
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