Agent talks £18m Newcastle United transfer bid as shock move eyed

The agent of reported Newcastle United transfer target Marcos Leonardo has responded to speculation over the Brazilian youngster’s future.

The Santos forward has captured the attention of clubs around Europe after plundering his way to 21 goals in 45 appearances for the Serie A club. Real Madrid and Roma have both been heavily linked with Leonardo - but Brazilian outlet Bolavip have claimed Newcastle have held talks over a possible January deal.

The report suggests Newcastle will offer around £15.7m to land the young striker, who made his Brazil Under-23s debut alongside former Magpies targets Andrey Santos and Vitor Roque earlier this season.

Leonardo is said to be one of several South American youngsters that have been watched by Magpies recruitment staff in recent months and that has led his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, to directly answer questions on the youngster’s future and possible interest from Newcastle.

She said: “Already in the previous transfer market he had the possibility of being sold, but Santos’ sporting situation was very particular. He agreed to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the championship.

“He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do. But the time has come to move. He wants to have a European experience and his time will come this winter.”

Magpies plan shock move for England striker

Newcastle are planning to add to their forward ranks by making a move for Everton frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin - according to TEAMtalk.

The Toffees striker is hoping to move on from a number of injury problems and help his side in their battle against relegation as they look to recover from a ten-point deduction that dropped them into the bottom three of the Premier League table.

TEAMtalk have suggested the Magpies are ‘seriously contemplating’ a loan move for Calvert-Lewin and have held a long-term interest in the striker.