Newcastle United are making waves in the transfer market with their pursuit of Benfica’s Antonio Silva. The Magpies are reportedly prepared to table a €50 million offer for the talented defender, as per Jornal de Noticias via Sport Witness.

While this figure is significant, it falls short of Silva’s hefty €100 million release clause, indicating a potential negotiation battle ahead.

Benfica’s stance on Silva is fortified by the release clause, but Newcastle’s urgency stems from defensive injuries to Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles. Manager Eddie Howe is under pressure to solidify the backline, and Silva fits the bill as a promising right-footed defender. The proposed offer includes €35 million in fixed payments with additional add-ons, a strategic move to entice Benfica without reaching the full clause amount.

Silva’s desire for a new challenge might play in Newcastle’s favour, but Benfica is expected to demand more, potentially pushing the Magpies to reconsider their approach. Complicating matters, Newcastle has also shown interest in Wolves’ Max Kilman, hinting they will only pursue one of these defensive targets. As they aim for a top-four Premier League finish, securing a top-tier defender is crucial. The coming weeks will reveal if Newcastle’s offer can sway Benfica or if they pivot towards Kilman instead.