The transfer of Andreas Samaris to Newcastle United seems to be still in Benfica’s plans for this summer.

As reported by Portuguese newspaper O Jogo today, the Eagles are currently in negotiations for Estudiantes midfielder Santiago Ascacíbar.

The wonderkid is also a defensive midfielder, so Benfica’s demands to bring him immediately are much related to Samaris’ future at the club, and what is hoped will be a transfer to Newcastle.

O Jogo makes it clear that in case Newcastle show up with a €20m offer, the Portuguese side will be happy to sell, and will have a green light to keep negotiating with Estudiantes to bring Ascacíbar in before the end of the year.

The latest reports from Portugal said Rafa Benítez’s side were offering €15m for Samaris, so there’s still a bit of negotiation to be done.

But new approaches haven’t been commented on lately, so there’s also the possibility that, like often, Benfica are waiting for something that is not happening.