Newcastle keen on £15m-rated Benfica winger

 

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce hopes to land Benfica winger Rafa Silva in a £15m deal this summer, claims The Sun.

 

Bruce has earmarked Rafa as a top transfer target but plans are currently on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak and impending takeover of the club.

 

Bruce is waiting to learn what budget he will have to work with ahead of next season and hopes it's not impacted by the global pandemic.

 

With transfer valuations set to tumble, Bruce is hopeful of securing Rafa's services for £10m less than Benfica's £25m valuation.

 

Benfica are, however, in no rush to sell Rafa having only secured his long-term future last summer after a stunning 2018/19 campaign.

 

Newcastle keen on £15m-rated Benfica winger

 

Rafa scored 17 goals in 26 league appearances last season to earn himself bumper new terms but hasn't quite managed to replicate the same form this term.

 

The Portugal international has only made 15 league appearances and has manaed a direct hand in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in that time.

 

Only now-Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (7.83) garnered a higher WhoScored rating than Rafa (7.73) in the Portuguese Liga NOS last season.