Newcastle United battling with ‘half of Europe’ to sign ‘extraordinary’ five-goal left-back

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Monza defender Carlos Augusto - but face competition from clubs around Europe.

The attacking left-back joined the Serie A club in a £3m deal Brazilian club Corinthians in September 2020 and helped the club to a historic promotion into Italy’s top tier in his second season at the Brianteo Stadium. He has featured in all but three of his side’s 30 league games so far this season and his form has led to suggestions he could make a maiden breakthrough into the international scene in the near future.

Speaking midway through last season, Monza manager Raffaele Palladino tipped the defender to challenge for a senior call-up, with Augusto eligible to feature for both Brazil and Italy. He said: “For me he is a player who is potentially also a national team (player). I will not go into the merits of the conversations but he must aspire to this goal, whether it is Brazil or Italy. I, as an Italian, I hope that it will be our national team that can benefit from its extraordinary performance. He himself is aware that his future from this point of view passes through Monza.”

His form has also led to speculation he could land a summer move away from Italy and TuttoMercatoWeb have reported scouts from ‘half of Europe’ have watched Augusto in action this season. Although no fee is mentioned in the report, Newcastle are described as one of the clubs that are ‘most interested’ in the defender, who has five goals and five assists in 29 appearances in all competitions this season.

The Magpies are reportedly in the market for a left-back this summer, despite the presence of Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Paul Dummett, Jamal Lewis and Matt Ritchie within Eddie Howe’s squad. It is believed the United hierachy see the position as ready for improvement as they look to establish themselves as regular challengers for Champions League qualification and major trophies. Arsenal star Kieran Tierney and Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo are two other left-backs said to be under consideration for summer moves to St James Park.