Newcastle United eye Brazilian wonderkid as former striker is urged to make shock move

Newcastle United have been named as one of several clubs ‘keeping tabs’ on Brazil Under-20 striker Macros Leonardo.

The Santos star has been likened to Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero after he came to prominence with the Brazilian giants over the last 12 months. The 20-year-old scored eight goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances last season and his form earned him a call-up to the Brazil squad for the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.

He has taken to life at international level by scoring twice in a 3-2 group stage defeat against Italy before also netting in wins against Tunisia and the Dominican Republic. He is believed to be under the watch of several clubs during the tournament and Newcastle have been credited with an interest as they continue to monitor the South American market.

But the Magpies will face competition from several Premier League rivals should they choose to make a move for the youngster after the Mail revealed Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham United have all shown an interest in his development in recent months.

Former Chelsea star wants shock move for former Newcastle United star

Frank Leboeuf believes Chelsea should make a summer move for former Magpies striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian frontman has just enjoyed the most productive Premier League season of his career after he scored 14 goals in 24 appearances to help Fulham secure a tenth place finish. The 28-year-old frontman still has three years left on his current deal at Craven Cottage - but former World Cup winner Leboeuf has suggested he would be an ideal signing for Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino gets his reign underway at Stamford Bridge.

In a column written for Si and Dan Talk Chelsea, he said: “We need a striker, and I think we need someone like Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham would work. Mitrovic has the real mentality, he would move the dressing room. I think Mitrovic has a similar personality to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he can be that type of guy, he has the mentality of winner. I like solders. Those guys never never blink, they never let go, they always face up to it. I love it. He’s done very well for Fulham and he wouldn’t need to move that far away to join Chelsea!”