Newcastle United have been left disappointed after missing out on Andrey Santos, claims Dean Jones.
Jones has said that Newcastle were pipped to the signing of Santos by Chelsea with the 18-year-old set to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge ahead of a £10m January move.
It was previously reported by The Northern Echo that the Magpies were ready to make a move for the Vasco da Gama teenager but have now lost out to the West London outfit.
Santos is capable at playing anywhere in the middle of the park and has a key eye for goal with 11 scored in 42 games for the Brazilian outfit in 2022.
Jones told This Is Futbol that Newcastle have been left licking their wounds after the Daily Mail previously reported they were favourites for his signature.
“Other ones in terms of Newcastle is attacking midfielder, we know it’s something that they like, they really liked Santos, who’s ended up going to Chelsea.
“They’re actually really disappointed not to have got further in the conversation on that one.
“I think they’re a bit frustrated, but they’re going to try and move on from it quickly. These things happen especially when you’re now competing with the real elite of the Premier League,” Jones said.
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
The attempted signing at least for the Magpies shows their massive turnaround from a relegation-threatened side to a club that shops at the same level as the European elite in just 12 months, with Barcelona and Manchester City also interested.
It clearly shows Eddie Howe’s intentions to bring in a central midfielder with James Maddison long-term admired by the club, but his £60m price tag may have put them off amid Financial Fair Play concerns.
Instead, the Magpies may look to bring in young talent in the mould of Santos as they look to build a foundation of a team that could eventually consistently challenge for the Premier League title in a couple of years.