[ad_pod ]

Newcastle United are set to go back in for Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris in the January transfer window, after being priced out of a move for the Greek international back in the summer according to The Mirror.

What's the word, then?

The Magpies attempted to sign the 29-year-old in the summer, but were quoted £10m for his services by the Portuguese giants which put them off pursuing the transfer any further at the time.

However, the 33-cap Greece international is set to be out of contract in the summer and is hoping to be put up for sale on a free in the Winter transfer window, with his heart set on a move to the Premier League - at 29, it may just be his last chance to taste the English top-flight.

Even if the Primeira League side do not sanction such a move next month, the fact that he is soon-to-be a free agent will definitely see his value decrease, as Benfica will much prefer to get something for him as opposed to losing him for nothing come to end of the season.

Who is Samaris? 

The defensive midfielder, who is also being pursued by Southampton according to the aforementioned report, is an experienced international who has helped his current employers win the title in all but one season since arriving from Olympiakos back in 2014.

The Magpies are in the driving seat to sign the player, who is a firm fans' favourite at the Estadio da Luz. Samaris is an excellent passer of the ball with a high concentration level, which is needed in the position that he plays when protecting the back four.

As well as his gritty defensive skills, but smoother passing ability, the Greek is a classy set-piece taker and can certainly threaten the goal given the chance from a promising dead ball situation - if Mike Ashley and Rafa Benitez can secure the midfielder in January, it may well be the bargain of the season.