The Brazilian media has today been full of stories about Newcastle United’s attempt to sign Santos wonderkid Angelo, with the Magpies offering €20m for the transfer.
Outlet UOL now features an update on this situation, confirming that club boss Steve Nickson watched the winger in action against Flamengo at the weekend.
Regarding Newcastle’s bid, it’s said that Santos ‘don’t confirm’ having received an offer, but wouldn’t even open talks for a transfer worth that amount.
Santos actually have a deal with Barcelona to transfer Angelo.
That’s because the Catalan side had an option over Gabriel Barbosa, who was sold to Inter Milan in 2016, and weren’t notified about that.
To sort the issue, the Brazilian club then gave them a priority over their new wonderkid, and they can buy him for €35m.
UOL claims even though the Peixe didn’t get excited about the €20m from Newcastle, they know they’ll hardly get an offer of over €35m either.
Angelo has been showing great potential, but at the age of 17, is still to become a real star to be worth that much.
So the Magpies may get a chance in case they do improve their bid a little.
UOL says Barcelona are expected to ‘exercise their priority’ in that case, but given the Catalan side’s current financial situation, that’s an opportunity for Newcastle side to give it a go while the La Liga side are struggling.
