Newcastle look set to miss out on Sporting defender - agent claims Spanish move is imminent

Newcastle United look set to miss out on the signature of central defender Ruben Semedo - with Spain the 23-year-old's likely destination.

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Rafa Benitez is understood to have been targeting Ruben Semedo of Sporting LisbonRafa Benitez is understood to have been targeting Ruben Semedo of Sporting Lisbon
Rafa Benitez is understood to have been targeting Ruben Semedo of Sporting Lisbon

The Sporting defender has been linked with a Magpies move in the Portuguese press for more than a week, with some reports suggesting a deal in the region of £11million was in the offing.

But despite United's interest and Premier League rivals Southampton also in the race to raid the cash-strapped Portuguese outfit, his agent Catio Balde has confirmed to radio station TSF that the player's future will be decided today. And that Spain is his likely destination.

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"We are about to confirm the transfer of Ruben Semedo," said Balde, whose player has been interesting La Liga outfit Villarreal.

"It's probably Spain. I confirm Spain. We are looking forward to closing the deal today.

"We are working, yesterday was intense.

"We are absolutely certain that there will probably be a conclusion today. Ruben was faced with several possibilities.

"It was in Spain that we found the best solution. Until this moment I can not confirm conclusively. He's in a good way."