‘Not interested’ - Newcastle United dealt blow in pursuit of £17.5m-rated Real Madrid target

The Magpies are set to suffer further disappointment in their bid for one of South America’s most promising talents.
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Newcastle United have been told Brazilian club Flamengo are ‘not interested’ in any discussions over a deal for highly-rated forward Matheus Franca.

The 18-year-old prospect has enjoyed a remarkable first 12 months at senior level as he scored seven goals in 29 appearances to become recognised as one of the brightest up and coming talents in the South American game.

Reports claim that Newcastle have held talks over a £14m move for the Brazilian teenager, while Arsenal have also recently joined the race. Franca is also a long term target of Real Madrid and Lyon. Reports claim that Newcastle have held talks over a £14m move for the Brazilian teenager, while Arsenal have also recently joined the race. Franca is also a long term target of Real Madrid and Lyon.
Reports claim that Newcastle have held talks over a £14m move for the Brazilian teenager, while Arsenal have also recently joined the race. Franca is also a long term target of Real Madrid and Lyon.
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The likes of Crystal Palace, Real Madrid and Lyon have all been linked with a move for Franca and Newcastle are believed to have made several offers after being impressed with his performances during a number of scouting trips to Brazil.

There had also been suggestions the Magpies had been unsuccessful with a £14m offer earlier this week and reports in Brazil have stated further offers of £11.3m and £12.4m had met a similar response earlier this month.

A further update earlier this week revealed Flamengo would consider selling one of their prize assets if United offered £17.5m and included a 50% sell-on clause in the deal to bring the youngster to Tyneside.

However, with the impending sale of Joao Gomes to Wolverhampton Wanderers, one club official has revealed the Serie A club are ‘not interested in negotiating’ any move thtat would see Franca follow his team-mate to the Premier League.

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Speaking to Brazilian media, Flamengo vice-president Marco Braz gave a firm update on the youngster’s future, saying: “We do not put Matheus Franca up for sale. He’s not for sale. We are not interested in negotiating for Matheus Franca at this moment.”

It is not the first blow United have suffered in their hunt for South American after midfield duo Andrey Santos and Maximo Perrone agreed deals to join Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.