Newcastle United and Benfica 'compete' for the signature of talented Argentine winger

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is determined to make more memories with his team as they prepare to compete in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea. If the Magpies are successful against the Blues then they will play a two-legged semi-final in January - which will come in the middle of a busy period of fixtures that also includes a Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland and clashes with high-flying Aston Villa and defending champions Manchester City.

Such fixtures only amplify the need for squad depth in January and although Eddie Howe has been coy when discussing any transfer rumours it is suspected that he will be in the market to strengthen a number of positions if the right players become available.

One name that is believed to be high on the radar is Argentine midfielder Benjamin Rollheiser who currently plays his football with Estudiantes in the Argentinian Primera Division.

The 23-year-old started his career in the highly renowned River Plate academy and made 23 appearances for the team whilst representing Argentina at both U17 and U23 level. In search of further first team opportunities, Rollheiser made the move to Estudiantes and it is this move which has sparked the interest of a number of top European sides.

Rollheiser has had an impressive campaign with Estudiantes and he has 12 goals and eight assists to his name across all competitions this year. This form earned him a place on the substitutes bench in the league’s Team of the Season despite playing for only the fifth best team in the league last season.

Rollheiser is hoping to push himself into the full international team in the near future and a move to Europe could help him realise that ambition. Reports from Portuguese outlet O Jogo via SportsWintess claim that Benfica are the early frontrunners to sign the player but CaughtOffisde has explained that Newcastle would have an advantage in terms of what they can offer the player due to their wealthy backing.

Rollheiser is reportedly valued at around £9m which is around the figure it initially cost Benfica to sign Enzo Fernandez before selling him for over £100m just six months later.

Rollheiser is an attacking midfielder who can operate on either wing. Such versatility could prove useful to a Newcastle team that are struggling with injuries to both Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes, while it would also provide fresh competition for both Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron during a hectic period of fixtures.