news-engine

Sky Sport claim Newcastle United have agreed 2031 deal ahead of 'advanced' £30m transfer Newcastle United transfers: Amar Dedic is close to joining the club from Benfica. Amar Dedic has reportedly agreed terms for a five-year contract at Newcastle United as the club looks to secure the right-back from Benfica. Newcastle are looking to bolster their full-back options ahead of the new Premier League season and Dedic, who worked previously under head coach Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, has emerged as a top target. The 23-year-old was a regular in Jaissle’s Austrian Bundesliga-winning Salzburg side before joining Benfica last summer. Dedic featured in Benfica’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Champions League last season but was able to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s side, making 43 appearances in all competitions. Newcastle have released Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Emil Krafth already this summer while also loaning out Harrison Ashby and Alex Murphy. With Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley still returning to full fitness, Jaissle is short of senior full-back options heading into next weekend’s Premier League opener against Liverpool at St James’ Park. 19-year-old Leo Shahar has been starting regularly at right-back for Newcastle in pre-season while 17-year-old Mason Miley has also been asked to play the role. But now, Newcastle are hoping to secure a move for Dedic and answer some of their full-back issues. The Bosnia & Herzegovina international was in action for Benfica against Hearts in the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday night. While he is primarily used as a right-back at club level, he is also capable of playing on the opposite flank. According to Sky Sport in Germany, Newcastle are in ‘advanced negotiations’ to strike a deal with Benfica, with personal terms already agreed. Florian Plettenberg tweeted: “Newcastle United are in advanced negotiations with SL Benfica over Amar Dedic. Transfer fee: around €30-35m (£25.6-30m). Dedic has agreed personal terms on a contract until 2031. “#NUFC The 23 y/o right-back has a strong relationship with Matthias Jaissle, having played 52 games.”