Abdulhafiz TeslimA potential Newcastle United transfer is moving closer to completion, with the Magpies reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of a highly-rated right-back.
The player has already indicated his willingness to move to St James’ Park, with Newcastle now working to reach an agreement with his current club.
Newcastle United are currently in discussions with Benfica over a deal for Bosnia and Herzegovina international Amar Dedić. The 23-year-old has emerged as a key target as the Magpies look to strengthen their right-back position following Kieran Trippier’s departure.
According to the report, Benfica would consider selling Dedić if Newcastle submit an offer in the region of €35 million. However, Newcastle are understood to have set their own financial limit for the deal.
Matthias Jaissle’s side are reportedly prepared to begin negotiations with an offer of around €25 million, with the possibility of increasing their proposal to €30 million. Newcastle are said to be unwilling to go beyond that figure, despite Benfica’s reported €35 million valuation and the player having a €50 million release clause.
Despite the difference in valuation, there is growing optimism that an agreement can eventually be reached.
Dedić is reportedly open to the move and has already given his consent to joining Newcastle. His previous relationship with Jaissle could also prove important in the negotiations.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina defender previously worked with Jaissle during their time at Red Bull Salzburg. He also knows Newcastle assistant coach Florens Koch from the same period, giving the player an existing connection with the club’s new coaching staff.
That familiarity could be one of the reasons behind Dedić’s apparent desire to make the move to the Premier League.
Newcastle’s interest comes as Jaissle continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new season. The club are looking to add quality and depth to several positions, with the right-back position becoming an important area of focus.
While personal terms with the player appear to be less of an obstacle, Newcastle and Benfica must still settle the transfer fee before the deal can be completed.
Reports from Bosnia and Herzegovina suggest there is confidence that negotiations will not prove problematic and that Dedić could join Newcastle “very soon”.
For now, the final agreement between the two clubs remains the key hurdle. If Newcastle can bridge the gap between their €30 million limit and Benfica’s €35 million demand, the transfer could move rapidly towards completion.
Dedić would provide Newcastle with another option at right-back and could become one of the first major additions of the Jaissle era at St James’ Park.
With the player reportedly already open to the move, attention now turns to the negotiations between Newcastle and Benfica.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
