Newcastle ‘main suspects’ in £88m Enzo Fernandez transfer bid with Benfica trying to convince World Cup winner to stay

NEWCASTLE are the ‘main suspects’ with an anonymous £88million bid for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, according to reports.

Lisbon outlet A Bola believe the Toon made the astonishing bid for the 21-year-old World Cup winner, which was rebuffed by the Portuguese giants.

Although there is no evidence the Premier League side have tabled the offer, the newspaper points to the fact they have the funds thanks to the Saudi takeover.

However, Eddie Howe’s team were knocked back in their attempts to prise the midfielder away – with Benfica desperate to hold on to their prized asset.

There is a fear, though, that the mystery team will return with an offer that could trigger his release clause.

Fernandez has a clause in his contract that a bid of €120million (£106million) would allow him to talk to any clubs who makes such an offer.

And that’s left Benfica sweating about their talisman’s future.

But, if the clause is matched they will argue the case, the report adds.

Manchester City, Man Utd and Liverpool are also said to be keeping a close eye on Fernandez.

Fernandez began his career at River Plate, before joining the Primeira Liga side in 2022 for around £10.5million.

The youngster was an integral part of Argentina’s World Cup winning squad – contributing one goal in the competition.

He was given the tournament’s Young Player Award as Argentina captured their third title.