Newcastle United linked with move for Portuguese rising star

Nuno Tavares of S.L. Benfica shoots during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Arsenal FC and SL Benfica at Karaiskakis Stadium on February 25, 2021 in Piraeus, Greece. Arsenal face SL Benfica at a neutral venue in Piraeus behind closed doors to prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants.

Newcastle United have been linked with a seemingly unlikely summer move for one of the rising stars of Portuguese football.

Portuguese publication O Jogo claim the Magpies, along with fellow Premier League strugglers Burnley, are weighing up whether to sign Benfica’s 21-year-old left-back Nuno Tavares.

Serie A outfit Napoli are said to be favourites to sign the defender in the summer window.

The report claims Benfica have slapped a £25m price tag on the Portugal under-21 international, who has been a regular for As Águias (The Eagles) this season.

United are looking to strengthen their lot at left-back despite the signing of Jamal Lewis from Norwich City last summer.

But, while Matt Ritchie will likely leave in the next window, the Magpies are very close to finalising a deal for England youth defender Matt Bondswell.

The teenager, who came through Nottingham Forest’s academy, is a free agent having been released by RB Leipzig.