Newcastle United’s interest in Sporting striker Luis Suárez has now moved beyond scouting checks, according to reports from Portugal.
But the Premier League club are already discovering there is little room for negotiation with the Lisbon side.
The Magpies have tracked the Colombian for months after his explosive first season in Portugal. Suárez has delivered 36 goals and seven assists in 51 matches since arriving from Almería. As a result, he quickly established himself as one of the most productive strikers in Europe this season.
That form has naturally increased Premier League attention. Newcastle had already been linked with the forward. However, the Portuguese press now report the club have started formal contacts with Sporting as they explore a summer move.
And the response from Portugal appears straightforward.
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Newcastle United move meets immediate resistance
Sporting are refusing to entertain negotiations below the striker’s €80m (£69m) release clause and see the 28-year-old as one of the foundations of Rui Borges’ project moving forward.
According to Record, Newcastle United have already taken concrete steps to try and sign Suárez ahead of next season. The Magpies have submitted an offer, although the amount isn’t shared.
The English club are not currently willing to reach Sporting’s asking price.
That leaves negotiations in a difficult position from the outset.
The Portuguese newspaper explains Sporting’s stance is based on more than simply the player’s statistics.
Internally, Suárez is viewed as indispensable because of his physical presence, aggressive attacking style, movement in behind defences and efficiency in the final third.
Those qualities helped him adapt quickly after replacing Viktor Gyökeres in Sporting’s attack. They have also pushed him onto the radar of several clubs across Europe.
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are also credited with interest.
Sporting protected by contract situation
Newcastle United are interested in the transfer of Luis Suárez from Sporting CP
Newcastle United are interested in the transfer of Luis Suárez from Sporting CP
Sporting’s confidence comes partly from the striker’s long-term contract situation. Luis Suárez is tied to the club until 2030, giving the Portuguese side significant leverage during any talks.
Record add Newcastle have intensified their observations in recent weeks as they prepare for the summer transfer window. In addition, they look for attackers capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League. As we recently covered, they are ‘leading the list’.
Still, there is currently no indication Sporting are preparing to soften their position.
The Lisbon club already lost one elite striker to England with Gyökeres’ move to Arsenal, and they appear determined not to lose Suárez cheaply as well.
Newcastle’s interest is concrete, contacts have started, but Sporting are making it known that any deal only happens if someone reaches the full €80m (£69m) clause
