Newcastle United have taken the first concrete step in a potential move for Victor Froholdt. According to O Jogo, Newcastle United have contacted Froholdt’s representatives to gather information about a possible transfer. O Jogo stress Porto have not received any contact from Newcastle. No formal proposal has been submitted for the midfielder, who was voted the best player in last season’s Primeira Liga.
With Bruno Guimarães edging closer to Arsenal in a deal which could reach €90m (£77.8m), Newcastle United know they will soon need to enter the market for a replacement. The Magpies rejected a bid for their captain earlier today, but are battling against the allure of the Premier League champions, alongside the Brazilian’s personal wish to leave.
If Newcastle were to formally approach the Portuguese giants about their 20-year-old starlet, they would have to be prepared to meet a hefty €85million release clause (roughly £73 million). Froholdt is believed to have a release clause in his contract worth £73 million, and that is the starting point for potential negotiations. The young midfielder was awarded the prize for both best player and best young player of the season in Portugal, despite being just 20 years old.
Newcastle had been scouting the midfield maestro prior to his £18m move to Porto last summer, but have ramped up their interest amid Arsenal‘s attempts to poach Bruno Guimaraes. Five fresh faces have touched down at St James’ Park in the meantime, alongside a new manager in Matthias Jaissle.