Newcastle scouting midfield summer target ahead of possible January move

After failing with a £13.5million summer transfer bid for Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris, Newcastle appear to be willing to return with another bid by January.

As per Scouts In Attendance, the Magpies, alongside Manchester United, Arsenal, Swansea and 2 non Premier League sides sent representatives to watch the Greece international during Benfica’s 6-0 victory over Vitoria de Setubal on Sunday.

The Portuguese giants held out for £18million for Samaris during the last transfer window, but with a year and half left on his current deal, there is likely to be a significant drop in his value.

The 28-year-old defensive midfielder can help add mobility and more steel to the Newcastle midfield if acquired.

The Magpies’ lack of depth in that department was highlighted against Watford when manager Rafa Benitez had to settle for Mohamed Diamé with Isaac Hayden suspended.

In Samaris, the Toons will be landing an experienced asset whose passing and tackling make him stand out of the crowd, and those are some the qualities their midfield can do with going forward this term.