Newcastle ready to launch stunning £39m bid for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star William Carvalho
Midfield enforcer looks ideal man to challenge under-performing Jack Colback as Toon plot solid return to the Prem
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NEWCASTLE have joined the race for Sporting Lisbon's midfield enforcer William Carvalho.
But they will really have to push the boat out to clinch a deal.
For the Portuguese international is said to be the subject of a £39million release clause.
Newcastle would prefer to think more in the region of £25m but are likely to go the whole hog to get their man.
Carvalho, who has made more than 100 appearances for Sporting, is expected to be in great demand this summer.
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Rafa Benitez, a long-time admirer, could face competition from Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Gunners are looking for a combative midfielder, while City view Carvalho as a long-term replacement for Yaya Toure.
But the Toon are expected to fight their corner. They can offer more regular first team play because they have been over reliant on the under-performing Jack Colback.
They need to strengthen significantly in the centre of the park, and William is the hard-tackling, no-nonsense holding midfielder they need as they bid to build on their Championship-winning success.
Carvalho would allow Newcastle's more attack-minded players to get forward knowing they have a quality player shielding their defence.
Benitez is also leading the race ahead of Monaco for Angers winger Nicolas Pepe.