Newcastle United are going into the January transfer window with the 18-year-old Matheus Franca on their radar.
Insider Graeme Bailey has suggested this on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel as he discussed the Toon’s plans for the upcoming window.
It is believed there are a number of top clubs looking at the Brazilian talent ahead of the January market but reports from Brazil claim Eddie Howe is already looking to steal a march in the race for Franca.
The report from Brazil claims the Brazilian outfit has already rejected an approach from Bayer Leverkusen for the midfielder they feel is their best talent since Vinicius Jr.
With question marks surrounding how much Newcastle may have available to spend over the course of the next month, Bailey confirmed the 18-year-old is a player they are eyeing:
“He’s a player they like. I think Newcastle have spoken to Flamengo. He’s potentially available, but I think the thing with him is he’s got a lot of admirers. I think Flamengo are in two minds about selling him.
“He’s definitely one on the radar and one Newcastle have talked to, but again, this isn’t one of the easier deals to do, this one, because Flamengo don’t need to sell him.”
TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…
Brazilian media has claimed Flamengo have rejected Leverkusen’s €14m (£12.4m) proposal already, so it will be interesting to see what type of bid would secure the promising youngster.
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In what was just his first season as a professional, Franca was able to tally up 17 appearances in the Brazilian top flight with seven of those coming from the starting XI (via Transfermarkt).
So it would seem Franca would be a purchase for the long-term future of Newcastle and not a player who may necessarily play a role in their bid for a spot in the Champions League.
However, with Leverkusen bidding at less than £15m, he could be an option for the Toon in January potentially due to their concerns surrounding FFP.