Benfica ‘fear Newcastle will trigger Enzo Fernandez’s £105m transfer release clause after £88m bid rejected’

BENFICA are worried that Newcastle will trigger Enzo Fernandez’s mammoth £105million release clause, according to reports.

The 21-year-old was named Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup after helping Argentina to glory in Qatar.

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Enzo Fernandez is a reported transfer target for NewcastleCredit: Getty

His showings added to interest that was already there before the tournament thanks to his stellar performances for Benfica.

The Portuguese giants rebuffed an £88million offer for the midfielder last week, which A Bola believe was from Newcastle.

Although the same newspaper claims there are fears the mega-rich Magpies could trigger his release clause.

Manchester United and Liverpool are also thought to be keen admirers of Fernandez.

Benfica president Rui Costa recently declared no players would be sold for below their release clauses.

But should Newcastle stump up the cash, the Portuguese outfit would be powerless to keep him.

Costa previously insisted: “We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad.

“What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one.

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“Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has guided his team to second in the Premier League, and could look to strengthen in January.

The Magpies are reported to be on the hunt for a midfielder, and Howe was questioned about Fernandez following the World Cup.

And he responded: “I’m aware of him, and I know him.

“But I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.”