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da apostaganha： Newcastle are eyeing a record-breaking bid for CSKA Moscow defender Mario Fernandes, reports claim.
What’s the story?
According to The Daily Star, the Magpies are plotting a £26.5m offer for Fernandes, eclipsing the record sum they paid for Miguel Almiron in January.
The report claims Atletico Madrid are also chasing the right-back, who was phenomenal at the World Cup for Russia.
Born in Brazil, Fernandes was granted Russian citizenship via a Presidential decree from Vladimir Putin.
The report says Fernandes is one of a number of options as Rafael Benitez looks to upgrade his full-backs.
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Crucial for Benitez
£26.5m is a huge amount of money for a club that so rarely splashes out big, but Fernandes could be worth it if Benitez stays at the club.
This is because in Rafa’s 5-2-2-1 formation, the wing-backs are perhaps the most important of players on the pitch, and Fernandes could occupy the right flank for years to come.
At 28 he is right in his prime but with plenty of experience under his belt, and he has enjoyed a superb season in a struggling CSKA side.
The 6 ft 2 in ace averages two tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, but is no slouch on the attacking end either, racking up nine assists in all competitions.
Capable of playing in a traditional back four or further forward as wing-back, he would offer Benitez tactical flexibility as well as add another leader to a defensive unit that has grown stronger each year Rafa has been at the club.
Even at what would be a new club record £26.5m, Fernandes would be an excellent arrival on Tyneside.