Newcastle are planning a bid for Sporting CP enforcer Ruben Semedo, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese news outlet claims that the Magpies are willing to table an offer worth £13million for the 23-year-old, who is also attracting attention from Ligue 1.
It is understood that French club Lille made an an offer of £8million for the former eight-times Portugal Under-21 international last week. However it is said that Sporting are set to decline it as it doesn’t reach their £17.4million valuation of the player.
O Jogo states that Semedo, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, isn’t willing to go to France but is keen on making a move to England.
According to the report, Semedo has five years left on his contract at Portuguese giants Sporting CP and has a whopping £39.2million release clause tied into his deal.
Semedo was ever present in the Sporting side this season until a muscle injury and a red card during the festive period saw him fluctuate between a place on the bench and starting in the first-team.
He made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese side this term and is a product of the famous Sporting academy which also saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani introduced to the game.