Benfica prospect loved by Newcastle United attracting interest after failed summer approach

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Newcastle United have their sights set on a busy January transfer window.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell has Eddie Howe’s January wishlist, but it is up to him to deliver so Newcastle have as big a chance as possible to return to European football after narrowly missing out last season.

Mitchell must work around PSR, with the thought that Newcastle will need to sell before they can spend big money. Newcastle avoided a points deduction for the season after selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, much to the dismay of Howe.

The club are not short of players who could leave in January, however. MLS side Charlotte FC want Miguel Almiron, who was close to leaving the club in the summer.

Newcastle want £8million for Almiron, who also has loan interest in the Premier League.

Martin Dubravka could leave Newcastle with a move to the Saudi Pro League on the cards. The 35-year-old has played the Magpies’ last three games in all competitions, keeping two clean sheets.

Now, there is thought that another one of Newcastle’s summer targets is unhappy at his current club.

Antonio Silva unhappy with playing time amid Newcastle interest

Benfica defender Antonio Silva was linked to Newcastle in 2023. A move would’ve been possible had it not been for the £85million price tag that was slapped on him.

Silva is ‘loved’ by Newcastle and a move could be more likely after the young defender’s playing time dropped off this season. The defender has made just six appearances in the Liga Portugal this season, something he is thought to not be happy with.

According to A Bola, Newcastle made a bid for Silva in the summer which was knocked back by Benfica with the feeling that the €50million (£41.4million) offered by the Magpies wasn’t enough.

Now, Serie A side Juventus are also interested in the 21-year-old with the report also suggesting that Gestifute, Silva’s agency, reached out to the Italian giants but a move there looks unlikely as it stands.

Newcastle see Silva as an alternative to Marc Guehi who stayed at Crystal Palace despite several Toon bids in the summer.

Antonio Silva’s impressive work at Benfica

Despite only playing 540 minutes in Liga Portugal this season, Silva has still impressed with the limited time he has had on the pitch.

In his six appearances, Silva is averaging around 74 passes a game with a 91.4% completion rate, which is perfect for Howe who enjoys getting his defenders involved in the game. Alongside that, he completes six long balls a game, a few shy of Fabian Schar who completes 10.

With Schar now 33-years-old, Silva could be a replacement for the Swiss international who has been a key player in Howe’s side, making 15 Premier League appearances this season.