‘I’ve been told’ - Newcastle United transfer claim made amid £20m price tag

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a deal for Brazilian talent Andrey Santos.

The Magpies have been bold in the transfer market since the arrival of their new owners, spending more than £200million in the last year, but it’s not just high-profile players they are interested in. Newcastle need to build for the future to make sure they are not always relying on spending big amounts to sign players who are ready to make an immediate impact, especially with Financial Fair Play limiting their spending.

As part of that, the Magpies will be scouting young players home and abroad, and one of the main names being linked currently is Vasco de Gama starlet Santos. The 18-year-old has been identified as a real talent by a number of clubs around Europe, racking up 35 league appearances at the age of 18, managing seven goals in that time.

Newcastle have been linked, but so have a number of clubs, including the likes of Barcelona and many others, so it’s no secret the Magpies would face huge competition if they make a move.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Newcastle are indeed interested. “I think he is one that they’re looking at. There are quite a few clubs doing that, though,” he tolf Transfer insider. “It’s the same old situation at Newcastle whereby they have various people with different ideas of the style and type of player that would fit in.

“But, yes, he is one of the names that I’ve been told they have got an eye on.”

If the likes of Barca are indeed interested, Newcastle may well find it difficult to pull off a deal, but they could offer first-team football earlier than such clubs, and they should be in a position to offer a tasty wage. This is one that will likely rumble on for a number of months yet.