Lisbon Demand Significant Transfer Fee for Defender With Newcastle Frontrunners for His Signature

?Sporting are willing to sell Newcastle target Ruben Semedo for a fee of €20m, Portuguese newspaper O Jogo have reported – via ?the Mag

Crystal Palace, West Ham and Everton have also been linked with the in-demand defender, who has a release clause of €45m.

Newcastle reportedly approached Sporting over the availability of the 23-year-old two weeks ago, and now the club have responded with their demands.

Borussia Dortmund v Sporting Clube de Portugal - UEFA Champions League

Semedo is under contract with the Primeira Liga side until 2022, but has fallen out of favour under coach Jorge Jesus.

Newcastle could be set for a summer transfer battle to secure the services of the towering centre-back, who made 24 league appearances this season.

Sporting, who finished third and 12 points behind champions Benfica, are now reportedly willing to accept far less than the buyout clause for Semedo in order to free up funds as they look to sign players that could close the gap at the top.

U21 Germany v U21 Portugal - International Friendly

Other clubs in Europe are also believed to be monitoring Semedo’s availability, although Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly keen to strengthen his defence.

Semedo can also play as a defensive midfielder and has featured for Portugal at U20 and U21 level.

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