Newcastle ‘determined’ to win race for player – ‘Bidding hard’, rivals don’t have ‘financial capability’ to compete

Newcastle United are ‘preparing a new assault’ for Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos as they look to beat Barcelona to his signature.

That’s according to Sport, who say the Magpies are ‘making a move’ for the midfielder and taking advantage of Barcelona’s inability to afford him.

The newspaper explains that Santos has already caught the eye of several European clubs, with many considering him the latest jewel of Brazilian football.

The midfielder is only 18 years old but there is a growing belief he is ready to move to Europe already and Barcelona are one of those who have been keeping an eye on him.

The midfielder position is one that they are ‘most interested in filling’ but they have been delaying the decision on Santos until at least next summer.

They need more time and ‘financial capability’ to be able to work out a deal with Vasco de Gama and could even wait to see what his other suitors do before joining the race.

Newcastle are one of those suitors, aware that the youngster has a €40m release clause in his current contract, which runs until 2027.

They are ‘determined to win the deal’ and will be ‘bidding hard’ for his signature.

Whether Newcastle are willing to just activate his clause or negotiate a deal isn’t mentioned, but the belief from Spain, and particularly the Barcelona focused Sport, is that they will provide big competition for the Catalans in the race for Santos.