Samaris’ contract situation opens up prospect of future permanent Newcastle move

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are in talks to bring Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris to the club before the end of the transfer window, according to the Chronicle.

They report that the Magpies have had Samaris in their sights since last week and are close to bringing him in to boost their thin squad before tomorrow’s deadline.

Newcastle are apparently generally in the market for younger blood but are willing to sign 29-year-old Samaris following the success of older heads Salomon Rondon and Martin Dubravka.

The Greek international would add steel and experience to Rafa Benitez’s engine room, as well as simply beefing up a squad hit by injuries.

And Samaris’ contract with the Portuguese club expires at the end of the season, meaning that he is likely to be a free agent in the summer.

That represents rare value in the current market and is ideal for Newcastle in the event that Mike Ashley still refuses to put his hands in his pockets to make some genuine investment in a squad that desperately needs it.

If Samaris impresses, Newcastle are able to negotiate a free transfer at any stage they like between now and the end of the current campaign, as long as he does not sign an extended deal with Benfica.