Newcastle United are making significant progress in their pursuit of Benfica right-back Amar Dedic, as the Premier League club looks to bolster its defensive options ahead of the new season.
The Magpies have been searching for a replacement at right-back following the exit of long-serving defender Kieran Trippier, who left St James' Park to join Wolves on a free transfer after his contract came to an end this summer.
Dedic, 23, is a familiar face to Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle, having played under him during their time together at RB Salzburg. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international was a key figure in the Salzburg squad that won the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023, giving Jaissle first-hand knowledge of the player's qualities.
Talks between Newcastle and Benfica are said to be advancing well, with the Portuguese club valuing their defender at approximately £30 million. Should the transfer be finalized, Dedic could be thrust into action almost immediately, potentially featuring in Newcastle's opening Premier League fixture of the season against Liverpool on August 23.
His early involvement may be necessary given the fitness concerns surrounding current right-back Tino Livramento, who is still working his way back from a calf injury picked up while on international duty with England in June.
Dedic brings considerable international experience to Tyneside, having earned 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was a prominent figure for his country at the World Cup, starting three of their four matches in the tournament.
His performances in Portugal's top flight last season further underline his attacking threat from the back. Statistically, Dedic ranked among the league's best full-backs, finishing second for carries into the attacking third with 49, and placing third in both progressive carries (202) and total carries (325) among players in his position.
Those numbers suggest a player capable of contributing significantly to Newcastle's build-up play, an attribute that could prove valuable under Jaissle's system. The manager's familiarity with Dedic's game, forged during their successful spell together in Austria, is likely to have played a role in identifying him as a top target for the right-back vacancy.
Newcastle's move for Dedic comes as clubs across the Premier League scramble to finalize their squads before the new campaign gets underway. With Livramento's return timeline still uncertain, securing a ready-made replacement who can slot in immediately has become a priority for the Newcastle hierarchy.
The fee being discussed, around £30 million, would represent a substantial investment in the position, reflecting both Dedic's proven quality in one of Europe's competitive leagues and the urgency of Newcastle's need following Trippier's departure.
If completed, the transfer would mark another step in Newcastle's squad rebuilding process this summer, as the club continues to adjust its roster following changes in personnel and looks to strengthen key areas before facing Liverpool in what promises to be a challenging season opener.
Further updates on the negotiations between Newcastle and Benfica are expected as the transfer window progresses, with both parties reportedly keen to reach a resolution given the approaching start of the season.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.