Major claim made about reported Newcastle United and West Ham transfer ‘target’

Botafogo could be set to confirm ‘the biggest sale in the club’s history as winger Jeffinho draws interest from Newcastle United and Premier League rivals West Ham United.

The 22-year-old winger has forced his way into their side over the last six months and has gone on to score four goals and provide seven assists since making his debut as a substitute in a 3-2 win against Internacional in June. His form has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe and Brazilian journalist Jose Passani has delivered a major update on his future by claiming Sunday’s defeat at Athletico Paranense could be his last appearance for the club.

Taking to Twitter he said: “This may have been Jeffinho's last game at Nilton Santos. The athlete is monitored by European clubs. Members of the Ajax scout, Werder Bremen and clubs from England and Portugal, were in Brazil monitoring the player. He could become the biggest sale in the club's history.

“MSB Sports managers, who manage Jeffinho, were seen leaving a box before the end of the game, accompanied by representatives of foreign clubs. The English clubs that Jeffinho has been monitoring are Newcastle and West Ham. Members of the West Ham scout were at Maracanã, in the match against Fluminense, and were delighted with the athlete.”

There is no indication of a possible fee for the winger, who is under contract until 2025, but the current record sale remains the £8.3m deal that took Vitinho to Russian club CSKA Moscow in 2013.

Jeffinho is not the first Brazilian player to be linked with a move to Newcastle in recent months as the Magpies look to establish themselves as a big player in the South American market. The likes of Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa, Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick, Santos forward Angelo Gabriel and Vasco da Gama duo Eguino and Andrey Santos all reported to have been monitored by the Magpies over the last year.