Newcastle United sent representatives to watch Amar Dedic play for Benfica on Thursday night, with the clubs still apart on a transfer fee despite the right-back having reportedly agreed personal terms with the Premier League side.

Dedic started in Benfica's 1-1 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle — a result that saw the Portuguese side advance 7-2 on aggregate in their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie. The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes and struck the post with a header, with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reporting that the Magpies' representatives in the stands were "very attentive" to his performance.

Newcastle and Edinburgh are roughly 100 miles apart, making the scouting trip a straightforward one for the club's officials, who took the opportunity to assess the Bosnia and Herzegovina international ahead of a potential move.

A familiar face for Jaissle

Dedic worked with Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle at RB Salzburg between 2021 and 2023, a connection that has fuelled the Magpies' interest. The defender joined Benfica from Marseille in the summer of 2025 and made 43 appearances in all competitions last season. He also started three of Bosnia's four matches at FIFA World Cup 2026.

Newcastle's pursuit of a right-back has grown more urgent after Kieran Trippier left the club this summer and Tino Livramento missed all of pre-season with a calf injury. The Magpies have made five senior signings so far this summer but are yet to add cover in that position.

Fee remains the sticking point

According to reports, Benfica are holding out for €35 million (£30.4 million) for Dedic, while Newcastle are reluctant to exceed €30 million (£25.6 million). That gap of around €5 million is currently preventing a deal from being finalised.

Benfica manager Marco Silva — who joined the Lisbon club from Fulham earlier this summer — was asked about the situation after Thursday's match. "I care very little about what's going on behind the scenes, which is normal at this point in the transfer window," he told Portuguese newspaper A Bola. "We want players and there are other clubs who want players. That's part of the market and it has zero influence on my decisions."

Newcastle open their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool next Sunday.