Newcastle United have agreed to sign Amar Dedic from Benfica for £29.5m. The 23-year-old right-back is expected to join ahead of a medical on Monday and could debut against Liverpool. Dedic previously worked with head coach Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, aiding their 2023 Austrian Bundesliga title win. Newcastle needed a right-back replacement after Kieran Trippier’s free transfer to Wolves.

Dedic, a Bosnia and Herzegovina international, has 31 caps and started three World Cup matches. His immediate impact is possible due to Tino Livramento’s injury. The club is also pursuing Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, though Bayern prefers a permanent deal over a loan. Palhinha is evaluating options, including staying at Bayern or returning to Portugal, but prefers the Premier League.

Newcastle’s midfield plans face uncertainty after failed bids for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a proposed Villa loan for Palhinha. Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl confirmed no loan interest, complicating negotiations. Dedic’s transfer appears closer to completion, with formalities pending.