Benfica defender Antonio Silva is “unlikely” to make the switch to Newcastle this summer, according to O Jogo.

The Portuguese publication has played down reports in the UK that the Magpies have shortlisted the 19-year-old as they seek to reinforce their options at centre-half.

It is believed that Silva is valued at an astronomical €100m (£85.2m), which would break the Premier League club’s transfer record.

O Jogo claim that Benfica’s “demands” are not expected to be met by Eddie Howe’s side or any other team before the window closes at the start of September.

The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with Silva in the past but it appears that no club is currently looking to sign the 4-cap Portuguese international.

Newcastle do have limited funds

After negotiating a loan deal for Chelsea’s Lewis Hall that means they can pay to sign the defender on a permanent basis next year, it’s clear that the transfer budget is empty.

For the Magpies to consider any approach for Silva before the deadline, it would probably require the club to balance the books through player sales, and that doesn’t seem likely at this stage.

A new centre-half would be welcomed

The Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope confirmed earlier this month that Silva was on a six-player list of centre-backs that the recruitment team have been scouting.

Bayer Leverkusen pair Edmond Tapsoba & Odilon Kossounou, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Torino’s Perr Schurrs and Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen have also been watched, in addition to the Benfica youngster.

It’s clear that Howe would like to strengthen the middle of defence but you can’t see a player in that position being brought in unless there are departures or some sort of loan can be agreed, similar to the one that was secured for Hall.