We had put out an article yesterday based on a positive report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo that we thought Benfica midfielder could be the 6th signing through the door at Newcastle.
But Miles Starforth of the Shields Gazette put out a tweet saying it was his understanding that Newcastle is no longer interested in the 28-year-old Greek International.
The Gazette reporter said that Mikel Merino was a cheaper (and younger) option than Samaris and we agree Mikel looks like an excellent buy for Newcastle for maybe just £6M next summer when his loan completes.
Rafa no longer interested in 28-year-old Andreas Samaris?
Here’s the tweet put out by Miles Starforth.
Told Newcastle backed away from move for Andreas Samaris. Deal wasn’t right. Went for Mikel Merino instead. https://t.co/6pwOqAXEqa #nufc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) July 28, 2017
And in the Chronicle they are reporting that Rafa didn’t want to comment on the speculation in Portugal that a deal was almost agreed between Newcastle and Benfica for Samaris.
It could be he’s no longer a target but we hope Argentine playmaker Allan of Napoli is still on our radar screen.
This 26-year-old Brazilian playmaker would seem like a great buy for £10M and he would add creativity to the central midfield.
Both Merino and Samaris are holding midfield players although Merino can play center-back or left back so he seems more versatile than Samaris.
But Allan can play as a creative playmaker and could be brought in and offer something a lot different than what Merino offers in midfield.
So it still seems sensible to go after Allan because we need more creativity in the middle of the park rather than relying on Jonjo Shelvey all the time.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
NUFC News 24/7 
8 comments so far
G
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:18 AM
Comment #1If we were to pusue only one taget from tnr two I would much prefer Allan.
RUNAWAY777
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:19 AM
Comment #2Just got up feel like shit after last night guess there’ll be know news of signings over the weekend lads think I my go back to bed don’t even fancy breakfast too.
Jail for Ashley
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:25 AM
Comment #3Not like Munster to leave a sly dig at our manager again, I’d be seriously embarrassed if I spent an entire season slating a guy who eventually won us the league.
Rafa signed eleven players last year and explained that if 70% of transfers work out it’s a good return.
Ron Knee
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:27 AM
Comment #4Citeh have spent about £200m this summer: Kyle Walker (£45m), Danilo (£26.5m), Benjamin Mendy (£52m), Bernardo Silva (£43m) and Ederson Moraes (£35m).
“We don’t have too much more to spend (!) but we are going to see,” said Guardiola.
It’s another world!
WWSBRD
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Comment #5So every link coming out of Portugal has turned out to be guff thus far…almost like Portuguese clubs saw we had a big pot of money and thought using our name would drum up interest if one was to be cynical of course
To my knowledge we didn’t scout in Portugal much last season but could be wrong
Anyway no big money signings is a worry this summer imo and risking our survival on potential again. Starting to think it’ll be a long season
Jail for Ashley
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:40 AM
Comment #6WW…,
Fear ye not, I seen Rafa walking across Kielder reservoir the other day handing out fish and bread.
WWSBRD
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:51 AM
Comment #7Jail
Might need such powers mate
RUNAWAY777
Jul 29, 2017 at 8:57 AM
Comment #8Jail what type of work do you do bro