Newcastle reportedly want to sign £12.3m talent who’s ‘very similar’ to Enzo Fernandez

Thu 29 December 2022 18:15, UK

Newcastle United have been linked with Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone in recent weeks.

In November, claimed that the Magpies were plotting a move for the 19-year-old.

Then, reported that Newcastle were willing to pay as much as £12.3million for Perrone – more than his release clause.

Since then, speculation on that front has cooled off somewhat.

But now, with the January transfer window looming, Newcastle could find themselves up against strong competition for Perrone.

According to , Benfica are now looking at him as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez.

Newcastle themselves have been linked with the Argentina international, as have multiple other Premier League clubs.

However, he may not be a realistic January target due to the fact Benfica don’t want to lose him for less than his release clause.

And at around £105million, that’s surely beyond how much Newcastle would be willing to fork out on one player.

After all, the Magpies ownership has made it clear they won’t be spending extravagantly as they build their team.

Can Newcastle land Fernandez 2.0 for less than £13million?

Meanwhile, the Perrone finances are much more reasonable. But that means there will be other suitors after him.

O Jogo claims claim Perrone has a style of play ‘very similar’ to that of Fernandez.

With that in mind, Newcastle need to get the ball rolling if they are to land Perrone.

If Benfica do sell Fernandez, they’ll have a pretty big war chest with regards to sourcing a replacement.

Obviously Newcastle aren’t short of cash themselves, but it depends how much they’re prepared to spend.

The Magpies could do with bolstering their midfield ranks, particularly at No. 6.

Bruno Guimaraes currently plays in that position, but he’s better further up the pitch.

Meanwhile, Jonjo Shelvey is 30 years old, so Newcastle should start looking at a long-term replacement.