Newcastle United ‘join’ Arsenal and Leicester in midfielder pursuit

Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho, according to Fichajes. The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the past few years.

Carvalho joined Betis from Sporting Lisbon on a five-year contract in 2018 and has since become a popular figure in Spain, making over 100 appearances in La Liga and helping the club lift their first Copa del Rey in 17 years last season. The midfielder has carried over his impressive club form over to his country, becoming a regular of Portugal as he has stacked up 76 caps since making his debut in 2013. Carvalho started for the national team as they won the Euro 2016 final and will also feature in his second World Cup this winter after making the 26-man squad by Fernando Santos.

Carvalho is a key player for Real Betis, however financial difficulties make keeping him at the club difficult. The 30-year-old signed a new contract with the Spanish side this season after speculation he could leave with only a year left on his deal, however it has been reported that he has actually been given a reduced salary to help Betis register summer signing Willian Jose.

Newcastle could now look to take advantage of Betis’ situation, with the report claiming that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are now looking to offload Carvalho to improve their finances so they can afford to make more signings. With Carvalho in brilliant form, it comes as no surprise that the Magpies are one of a number of teams looking to snap him up. Arsenal and Leicester are two clubs that are said to be considering a move for the Portugal international. The Gunners have been linked with Carvalho on a number of occasions and were said to be lining up a bid for the star back as 2015.

No price tag has been revealed for the midfielder, however Betis’ financial difficulties will mean they won’t have much power when it comes to negotiations. However, Newcastle may have the advantage if it came down to a bidding war, while potential European football could also boost their chances.