Newcastle is apparently already in talks to sign Brazilian youngster Matheus Franca in order to get an advantage over competitors before the January transfer market opens.
Numerous elite European teams are keeping an eye on 18-year-old Franca after she enjoyed a breakout season with Flamengo.
Franca won the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Libertadores in his debut season as a professional, which attracted the attention of interested teams.
In an effort to sign Franca, Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Flamengo, according to Brazilian publication Globo.
Eddie Howe is eager to bolster his team next month as they continue their pursuit of Champions League football.
Should he come to the north east, attacking midfielder Franca—considered Flamengo’s best prospect since they sold Vinicius Jr to Real Madrid in 2018—would undoubtedly bring more flair and quality.
He has only appeared in 25 games and scored six goals in his short professional career.
Last month, Sportsmail revealed that Crystal Palace was thinking about making a bold attempt to sign the Flamengo star.
However, Flamengo placed an £87 million (100 million Euro) release clause in his five-year contract, the largest in the club’s history, last January because they thought so highly of the teenager. This could make any approach more difficult.
Howe has been transparent about his desire to make a “transformational” acquisition, similar to the choice of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
Recent comments from Howe include: “We would love another transfer like (Bruno Guimaraes), because I think it was transformational for the team and for the group.
They are challenging players to locate, but it is our responsibility to look for them, and we will make an effort to do so.
“I am watching guys with the intention of signing them; I am not pretending to observe players.” When I am alone at home, I don’t behave that way!
Next month, voting for the Samba Awards will begin, and Franca, who would match that revolutionary brief, is one of the finalists for Best U20 Brazilian Player.
