Newcastle United are hoping to beat Southampton in the race to sign highly-rated defender Ruben Semedo this summer, according to the Sun.
The newspaper report that the Premier League newcomers are prepared to make an offer worth £15million to Sporting Lisbon, having already had a bid rejected by the Portuguese club.
Sporting are demanding a fee of £17.5million for the 23-year-old’s services this summer, but Newcastle have yet meet their valuation, and are to test their resolve with another offer below the required terms.
Newcastle’s previous bid was a paltry £10.5million plus £2.5million in add-ons, but Sporting Lisbon refused to accept the terms considering it was still well below their valuation of the player.
Semedo was a key player at the Portuguese outfit last season, making 31 appearances in all competitions, and still has five years left to run on his current contract.
He has a release clause worth £40million, but Sporting are not expected to land such an offer, and are instead holding out for £17.5million this summer.
Newcastle are likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Southampton for the signature of the Portugal Under 21 international, but the Saints have yet to make any formal contact over a move.
They are yet to begin their summer transfer business as the future of manager Claude Puel remains uncertain, after a disappointing season in the Premier League last term.
The Magpies can therefore, capitalise on an opportunity to take full control of the transfer, and bring Semedo to St. James’ Park ahead of next season.