Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has distanced the club from a move for mooted Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez.
The 21-year-old Benfica midfielder is currently on cloud 9 after winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar, but his performances throughout the tournament have brought him to the attention of several top clubs across Europe, including the Reds.
Cash-rich Newcastle is another Premier League side to have been linked with a move for the River Plate Academy graduate, after former player Alan Shearer 'joked' live on TV after the Qatar final that he would look good in black and white playing against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
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But Toon boss Howe has cooled speculation that the World Cup-winner could end up at St James' Park.
As reported by the Mail, Howe said: "I’m aware of him, and I know him. But I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy."
When asked about former United legend Shearer's comment, Howe added: "I didn’t hear that, I apologise to Alan, I think I was on the other channel! That’s a mistake on my part."
Fernandez only joined Portuguese side Benfica in the summer, for an initial €10million fee, with €8million in potential add-ons. But the Eagles are understood to be looking for a whopping €100million transfer fee to let their latest success story leave Lisbon.
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