According to The Northern Echo, Newcastle are in line to sign Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris before the end of the transfer window. 

The article also talks of the imminent arrival of Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron and Monaco’s full-back Antonio Barreca, as Newcastle look to get busy in the final days of the month.

These are very encouraging times for Newcastle fans, as owner Mike Ashley looks to have paid attention to manager Rafa Benítez's persistent demands for new signings this month. With fears growing that the Spaniard would leave St James' Park if there were new signings this month, he has clearly been granted his wishes. The fans were growing restless, and with The Magpies living dangerously close to the relegation zone, this new injection of personnel could save their season.

Of course, new signings are always great for morale at any club, but the addition of Samaris could be a key appointment in Newcastle's midfield. The club have some very promising young players in the heart of the field, such as the 21-year-old Sean Longstaff, and the 23-year-old Isaac Hayden. However, perhaps excluding Jonjo Shelvey, Benítez does not have an experienced figure to play alongside these young players. A head like the 29-year-old Samaris, who has 33 Greece caps, could truly help these players' development.

The Greek has won titles across Europe, including a Superleague title with Greece, and three Primeira Liga with Benfica. He will bring a huge amount of experience and a winning mentality to a Newcastle midfield that has perhaps lacked both at points this season.