Newcastle United close Amar Dedić deal before João Palhinha push

Newcastle United are reportedly set to complete the €35million signing of Benfica defender Amar Dedić before turning their attention towards Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha.

Portuguese newspaper Record reports there is now a total agreement between Newcastle and Benfica for Dedić, with the clubs exchanging documents on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has already agreed a five-year contract at St James' Park and his move is expected to be made official shortly.

Benfica had been demanding €35m for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, and Newcastle have now made the decisive move required to meet that valuation.

As part of the agreement, Benfica will also retain a 17.5% sell-on clause.

Record describes the transfer as “all settled”, with the deal reaching its final stages after weeks of negotiations.

Dedić's arrival would strengthen Matthias Jaissle's options at right-back before Newcastle begin their Premier League campaign.

Attention could then quickly move towards midfield.

Newcastle are also pursuing João Palhinha, who appears increasingly likely to leave Bayern Munich.

Record and A Bola both report Newcastle have emerged as contenders for the 31-year-old Portugal international, with the Magpies previously said to have offered him a three-year contract.

Benfica are also interested, while Aston Villa's attempts to sign the former Fulham midfielder have failed.

Bayern director Max Eberl has now confirmed negotiations are taking place over Palhinha's departure.

“We won't reach an agreement with Aston Villa, it's simply not going to work,” Eberl said.

“There are negotiations underway. And there are negotiations where a transfer could happen.”

Palhinha has consequently been left out of Bayern's squad for Sunday's DFB-Supercup final against RB Leipzig to avoid risking an injury while talks continue.

A permanent move is being discussed, although Eberl has not ruled out other possibilities. Neither Portuguese report confirms whether Palhinha has given Newcastle the green light.

Newcastle are expected to finalise Dedić's transfer after the clubs exchanged documents, allowing them to strengthen their pursuit of Palhinha.

Bayern are already negotiating the midfielder's exit and Aston Villa are no longer in contention, but Newcastle could still face competition from Benfica and must establish whether Palhinha is willing to return to the Premier League.