Agent confirms Newcastle want 19-goal Benfica star

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Football agent Antonio Araujo has told Portuguese outlet RR Sapo that Newcastle United are interested in signing Benfica’s on-fire winger Rafa Silva in the summer window.

Silva, 25, has been on fire for Benfica this season from out wide. In his 42 league and cup appearances, the 15-time Portugal international has scored a whopping 19 goals – and laid on three assists.

He is able to play on either flank and has been known to be used as a striker, too. Newcastle are said to be interested in luring Silva to Tyneside, but it remains to be seen what Silva’s price tag is after an excellent 2018-19 campaign.

Silva has a release clause worth £51million, but it is very unlikely that owner Mike Ashley will stump up that sort of cash. Araujo stated Newcastle were interested, but that Benfica and Silva are trying to agree a new contract.

“Newcastle is one of the interested parties,” Araujo said. “Now the main focus [of Rafa] is to be a champion. The player wants to start receiving according to what has been his performance. 

“Benfica knows what Rafa wants. I think it’s going to happen [renewal], because there’s a desire for the club and Rafa’s will. The player is well at Benfica, now he wants to see his salary go to what he really represents for Benfica.”

TBR’s view

Silva would be one of Benitez’s best signings since he joined the club back in early 2016. Silva has enormous pedigree, earning 15 caps, and scoring goal after goal this season.

He has netted twice against Porto and many other crucial goals this season. Bringing him in would give Newcastle much more flair and a bigger goal threat – more so than what Miguel Almiron has offered thus far.

If Newcastle can do a deal to sign Silva for much less than his release clause, he would be a top purchase. But whether Newcastle can sign Silva is down to the attacker signing a new Benfica deal.