Newcastle United ‘launch’ £17m bid to sign Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona target

Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to sign Santos star Angelo Gabriel, according to a report in Brazil.

The teenage forward, who can operate on both the right and left wing, is regarded as one of the best young prospects in South America.

Despite being just 17 years old, Gabriel has made 74 senior appearances for Santos after making his debut aged 15 years, ten months and four days.

Gabriel, on the books at Peixe since the age of nine, is the second-youngest player ever to represent Santos.

In April last year, he also became the youngest goalscorer in Copa Libertadore history - ending ex-Argentina international Juan Carlos Cardena’s 59-year record.

His exciting potential has brought interest from the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona - and now Newcastle.

According to Brazilian publication Globo Esporte, the Magpies had recently sent chief scout Steve Nickson to Brazil to watch Gabriel and begin negotiations over a transfer.

United told Santos they’d be willing to table a £17million bid (€20m) for Gabriel, however that isn’t an amount that matches the Brazilian club’s valuation.

The report adds that Newcastle have already sought out businesswoman Marisa Alija, who takes care of Gabriel’s career, as they look to seal the teenager’s signature.

Santos, however, are under no pressure to offload Gabriel this summer with the winger expected to grow even higher in market value.

Newcastle currently have two Brazilians on their books - Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, who signed in January from Lyon.