Newcastle United star ‘on the radar’ for maiden international call-up after World Cup snub

Joelinton’s hopes of landing a maiden international call-up have been raised after Brazil interim manager Ramon Menezes confirmed the Newcastle United midfielder was ‘on the radar’.

The former Hoffenheim forward has enjoyed something of a renaissance during his time at St James Park after initially struggling during his first two seasons in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s appointment as Magpies manager and an unexpected switch into midfield triggered an upturn in fortunes for the 26-year-old and there were hopes he would join team-mate Bruno Guimaraes in the Brazil squad for the World Cup Finals last year.

However, Joelinton remained part of the United side that faced mid-season friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano as his country struggled to make a major impact in Qatar. A quarter-final exit at the hands of Croatia brought an end to Tite’s six-year reign in charge of the national side and his temporary successor has now announced his first squad as the Selecao prepare an upcoming friendly against Morocco.

Menezes opted against giving Joelinton a first call-up and opted to hand opportunities to several players that ply their trade in Brazil’s Serie A - but the interim manager did confirm the Magpies star and Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli were being monitored for future squads.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: “They (Martinelli and Joelinton) are on the national team’s radar. Martinelli is an athlete who has Olympic age, a very good player.

“That function is Vinicius Junior’s and we are bringing Rony to give opportunity, but also for the performance at Palmeiras. Joelinton is a great player and can fit like a defensive midfielder, a midfielder, he is a strong player, who we are following and who at any time can wear the shirt of the national team.”

Bruno Guimaraes was also left out of the squad to face Morocco, meaning both of United’s Brazilian midfielders will remain at home during the upcoming International break.