Newcastle United ‘in the picture’ to sign Manchester United and Barcelona transfer target impressing in France

Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in Monaco’s Brazilian full-back Vanderson.

Amid links with Serie A giants AC Milan and Premier League club Brentford, the 21-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side in a £9.9m deal from Gremio in January and has quickly settled into life in France.

After making the move to Monaco, Vanderson outlined his desire to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Sonny Anderson and Fabinho by impressed at the Stade Louis II.

After penning a five-year deal, he told the club website: “I am very happy to join AS Monaco, a historic club in Ligue 1 with an important European past.

“It is also a club where many Brazilians have impressed. I am very happy to have this opportunity to be part of a great project.

“I would like to thank the club for the trust it has placed in me and Gremio for having accompanied me to this point. I am determined to work to integrate as quickly as possible and bring my qualities to the squad”

Vanderson netted two goals in 17 appearances to help his new club claim a third placed finish in Ligue 1 and secure a chance to progress into the Champions League.

A qualifying round defeat against PSV Eindhoven ended their hopes of competing in European football’s premier competition - but Monaco have taken their place alongside Red Star, Ferencvaros and Trabzonspor in the Europa League group stages.

Vanderson has continued to impress as his side sit just outside of the Champions League places following a solid start to the new season.

That has attracted interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, who are believed to have watched the full-back on a number of occasions during the last eight months.

However, Spanish outlet Sport have suggested Newcastle have ‘already begun to move’ to secure a deal ahead of the January transfer window, despite facing major competition from the Catalan giants.