The 28-year-old almost joined Sunderland during the January transfer window, but a deal collapsed at the 11th hour.
More recently the Greece international has been a target for Everton as the Toffees continue to spend big this summer.
However, according to O Jogo, Samaris is now closing in on a move to Newcastle after agreeing personal terms with them.
The midfielder has reportedly agreed in principle to a four-year contract worth just over £40,000-a-week.
Newcastle must now agree a fee with Benfica and it is said the Portuguese club want to bank around £18m from any sale.