EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd and Newcastle scouts watch Benfica

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 4 Apr 2023 08:47 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United and Newcastle scouts have been busy at work in Portugal ahead of the summer transfer window, FootballTransfers has learnt.

Sources in Portugal have provided the lowdown on what’s been going on in the Primeira Liga amid tons of speculation that Premier League sides are looking to bring in some of their stars.

One contact told us: “Many clubs from the Premier League are frequent visitors of the Portuguese matches at the moment - they are really into something over here.”

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Newcastle and Man Utd are looking at targets in the country, with both clubs expected to be busy in the upcoming window. Last summer Goncalo Ramos was linked with a move to the Magpies. We put this to our sources at the time and it was shot down - the idea, back then at least, was that he would be heading to Wolves.

Of course, a move never materialised and he remained in Portugal, where his value has risen incrementally.

We hear that Benfica are asking for his full amount €120million. They already have the Enzo Fernandez money and are not going to budge, just like how they managed to earn the full sum for the Argentine from Chelsea in January.

Man Utd eyes on Benfica

Manchester United have a scout who lives in the area and is constantly watching games near Benfica. Indeed, there are always eyes there - and no doubt he will be telling the head of recruitment all about this future star in Ramos, who is linked to an Old Trafford move.

Newcastle regularly took scouts to Portugal last season. There is nothing new there. But we know they were there back again to watch Benfica’s 1-0 win over Rio Ave. We know conversations took place and there seems to be a reason why they were particular about this match.

Alex Grimaldo played in the victory over the club based in Vila do Conde - he is out of contract in the summer and, at the time of writing, is expected to leave Benfica.

We heard he was set on a move to Arsenal last year but that never happened.

Antonio Silva, who we brought to you exclusively as a Liverpool target, will leave this summer, regardless of whether Ramos stays or goes. The expectancy is that both will go, but more so with Silva - Benfica know they can get maximum value for the centre-back right now. The club have the young Joao Victor returning from Nantes to cover the position as well.

Meanwhile, we hear that Marco Silva has had no contact from Chelsea and is very much concentrating on his work with Fulham. Despite reports to the contrary, there has been no move by the Blues to bring in the former Everton boss.

Lastly, we hear that manager Vítor Campelos held talks with Hull City over the prospect of taking over the reins there. The Portuguese coach currently presides over G.D. Chaves but could be on his way to the Championship in the summer.