Newcastle United are in advanced negotiations with Benfica over a deal for right-back Amar Dedic, with discussions understood to be at an encouraging stage for the Premier League club.

The move comes after Kieran Trippier left St James' Park this summer when his contract expired, with the veteran full-back subsequently joining Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer. The departure left Newcastle in need of cover and competition in the right-back position.

A familiar face for Jaissle

Dedic, 23, is no stranger to Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle. The two worked together at RB Salzburg, where the Bosnian international was a key member of the squad that claimed the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023.

Benfica value the Bosnia and Herzegovina international at around £30 million. Dedic has earned 31 caps for his country and started three of their four matches at the World Cup, establishing himself as a reliable presence at international level.

Statistical case for the signing

His numbers from last season in Portugal's Primeira Liga underline his quality as an attacking full-back. Among full-backs in the division, he ranked second for carries into the attacking third with 49, and third for both progressive carries — 202 — and total carries, which stood at 325.

Timely arrival ahead of Liverpool opener

Should the transfer be finalised, Dedic may be thrust straight into action. Newcastle open their Premier League season against Liverpool on 23 August, and Tino Livramento remains sidelined with a calf injury picked up during England duty in June. Dedic's arrival could fill that gap at a critical moment in the campaign.