Newcastle to miss out on top target who 'wants Juventus' transfer

Antonio Silva could leave Benfica for Juventus (Image: Getty)

Newcastle United's pursuit of the much-coveted Benfica defender Antonio Silva seems to be hitting a brick wall.

Having tracked the 21-year-old centre-back for over a year and a half, the Magpies are finding the financials too tricky amidst their ongoing tussle with Financial Fair Play constraints.

Now, it appears Juventus are poised to snap up Silva during the winter transfer window.

His representative Jorge Mendes has made the player's preference clear, stating: "He wants Juve and Juve wants him. Now it's up to Benfica to decide.

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"We need to be patient, we need to wait a few days. These are things that change in 5 minutes during the transfer market, which is still closed for now.

"He's an important player, there were several clubs interested in him but let's see what Benfica decides, they have the final say."

With Silva possibly Turin-bound, Newcastle could turn their attention towards Lens youngster Abdukodir Khusanov.

The defender, only 20, could set the Tyneside club back around £20m, but Eddie Howe is ready to compete with numerous suitors for the next big thing from Uzbekistan, who is anticipated to depart the French Ligue 1 outfit shortly.