Samaris deal would provide Newcastle with some rare value in the January market

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Greece international midfielder Andreas Samaris wants to leave Benfica during the January window which has alerted Newcastle United’s attention, according to the Daily Mirror.

The report claims that the Portuguese outfit wanted £10m for Samaris when Newcastle sniffed around during the summer but his dwindling contract situation means he could be available for free next month.

Unless he signs a new deal, Samaris will apparently be free to leave for nothing in the summer but the man himself wants to be allowed to do exactly that next month.

Even if he isn’t free, he would surely cost less than his previous £10m valuation if Benfica wish to avoid losing him for nothing within a matter of months.

The experienced midfielder has 33 caps for the 2004 European champions and is known for his discipline and quality sitting in front of a defence.

That will not get bums off seats in the north east, but Rafa Benitez’s blueprint is built on defensive solidity and at present, he does not boast a disciplined, robust central midfielder in Samaris’ mould.

Transfer fees usually go through the roof in January and Newcastle’s financial situation means they cannot match that, so the opportunity to seal a cut-price deal is not one to be missed.