'Very happy' - Newcastle United, Manchester United & Arsenal target finalises £15.5m move

Marcos Leonardo has completed his move to Portuguese giants Benfica.

The 20-year-old is said to have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs including Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal after scoring 54 times in 168 appearances for Brazilian giants Santos FC.

However, the striker won't be coming to England this month after penning a five-and-a-half-year contract at Benfica. The transfer cost a reported £15.5million.

"I'm very happy that Benfica chose me and also that I chose Benfica," said Leonardo."It's a great club in Portugal and many Brazilian players have made a name for themselves here, like Jonas, for example. 

"I hope to repeat their feat, score lots of goals, help the team and win lots of titles."

Indeed, Leonardo's agent Rafaela Pimenta revealed in November that a move to Europe was on the cards.

“Already in the previous transfer market he had the possibility of being sold, but Santos’ sporting situation was very particular," Pimenta said. "He agreed to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the championship.

"He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do. But the time has come to move. He wants to have a European experience and his time will come this winter."

Newcastle are considering signing a forward in January.

Eddie Howe's side have just one fit senior striker available for the whole of January with Callum Wilson (calf) ruled out of Saturday's derby clash away to Sunderland and the visit of Manchester City to St James' Park next week.

The burden will lie with Alexander Isak, who has had his own struggles with a groin issue this campaign.