Or more that they don’t have preferential treatment in trying to get him rather than not being interested
Their rumour was was a loan with obligation. Benfica might want more of the money up front if a permanent sale is on the cards. No idea why but it could be the case - something to do with getting loans from banks
If it is between us and Newcastle he goes North - higher transfer fee, higher wages and less likely to go down. Only hope is if they get Pedro and pull out of this deal as a result.
Another detail of this is that it would be the second player we’re getting in this summer who Newcastle have also been interested in (Mara). Dan Ashworth knows his players, so it’s not a bad thing at all.
Also, going off on a tangent here but Sports Republic should definitely invest in a Portuguese club. The amount of quality talent they develop, both from Portugal and particularly South America, is ridiculous. We can't sign them at a young age due to permits etc but we could bring them through the academy in Portugal and then bring them over here at the point when they've got to the right level.
Here's a thought. What if he and his family prefers to live next to the ocean? Always remember the family. Happy wife, happy life. Lol