Paul Mitchell has already begun working on Newcastle United’s January transfer targets.
It’s gearing up to be a busy window for the sporting director, who knows what he needs to do to please Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Good form has come at the right time. After Newcastle’s win against Aston Villa, they’re up to fifth place and in contention for a return to the Champions League after narrowly missing out last season.
It’s believed Howe wants a winger, striker and goalkeeper in January, and there hasn’t been a shortage of links in those positions, with players like James Trafford linked to Newcastle.
Now, a recent report has suggested that Mitchell is also working on a deal for a highly rated young centre-back.
Newcastle working on Antonio Silva move
Benfica defender Antonio Silva isn’t happy with his game time this season and, as a result, is looking at what’s available to him in January.
Silva has played just seven games so far this season, a far cry from his 30 Liga Portugal appearances in the last campaign.
According to TEAMTalk, Silva could be loaned out in January with a €50million (£41.4million) option to-buy clause included.
It’s believed that Serie A side Juventus are in the best position to sign the 21-year-old – who is represented by Jorge Mendes.
The Old Lady are keen on signing a replacement for the injured Gleison Bremer, but that hasn’t deterred Newcastle and Villa who are both still in and are working on a possible move in January.
Silva has been linked to Newcastle since 2023 and the Magpies love the Portuguese International, who has 17 caps for his country.
The report also suggests that Rui Costa, Benfica’s president, held a meeting with Silva’s agent to confirm the next steps in his career.
Antonio Silva could replace Fabian Schar
Newcastle are preparing for the returns of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles who have both been missing since March with ACL injuries. The pair are due back in the next month with Botman playing for Newcastle’s under-21s in December.
However, both Lascelles and Fabian Schar are out of contract in the summer so signing a centre-back would be a big decision for Howe and Mitchell.
Silva is a similar player to Schar as they both like to move the ball up the pitch. Should he sign, Howe will be eager to mould Silva into a picture-perfect replacement for the Swiss international.
Schar wants to stay at Newcastle but Lascelles has attracted Premier League interest and could leave in January.
At 21, Silva would come in as a long-term replacement for the pair as they go deeper into their 30s.
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