Newcastle United transfer target breaks silence on future amid rejected £17.5m ‘bid’

Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos has opened up on his future as he continues to draw interest from Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Vasco da Gama midfielder has been thrust into the limelight over the last six months after impressing with a series of fine displays for the second-tier side. After making his debut as a 17-year-old substitute in a 3-0 defeat against Londrina last season, Santos has established himself as a key figure in Vasco’s side during the current campaign.

After appearing in a 1-0 win at Ituano earlier this month, the youngster has scored eight goals in 37 appearances in all competitions as his side look to regain their top-flight status. His form has attracted serious interest from clubs in Europe, with Newcastle, PSG and Barcelona all said to have lodged enquiries with Vasco over the last six months.

There had been recent reports to suggest Barca had dispatched a transfer delegation to South America to force themselves to the front of the queue and Newcastle have been continually linked with the midfielder as they look to partner him with fellow countrymen Joelinton and Bruno Guimarares. Santos has now opened up on speculation over his future and admitted he is focusing on his club’s push for success this season.

He told Brazilian outlet Globe: “(I am) happy for everything that is happening, the result of a lot of work, everything happening naturally. My parents and my manager filter me, I know that everything will go at the right time for my dreams to come true. But there’s nothing for now. It will be a year of a lot of delivery, let’s fight at the top, do everything to get winners and let it be a brilliant season. I hope to continue helping.”

Journalist Jorge Nicola claimed last month Newcastle had made an unsuccessful £17.5million bid for the midfielder that has been compared to Barcelona and Spain star Sergio Busquets.

Santos is currently on international duty with Brazil Under-20s as they prepare to face their Chilean counterparts in two friendly fixtures over the coming weeks.