“We are watching” – Manager keeping close eye on Newcastle United player

Newcastle United’s Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães were not included in the Brazil squad for the friendly against Morocco later this month.

Ramon Menezes was appointed as Brazil’s interim manager after Seleção’s failure to find Tite’s permanent successor. The former announced the squad on Friday and didn’t include the Magpies duo.

Guimarães has represented the national team on numerous occasions while his Newcastle teammate’s wait for his first call up will go on.

Despite not considering Joelinton for the upcoming fixture, there’s hope for him in the future since Menezes revealed that Brazil are monitoring his progress at Newcastle.

“They are on the national team’s radar. Martinelli is an athlete of Olympic age, a very good player. That function belongs to Vinicius (Junior) and we are bringing Rony to give him the opportunity, but also for his performance at Palmeiras,” the manager said, as quoted by Lance.

“Joelinton is a great player and can fit in as a defensive midfielder, midfielder, he is a strong player, who we are watching and who can wear the shirt of the national team at any time.”

The 26-year-old initially started as a forward at Newcastle before Eddie Howe moved him to midfield. He’s excelled in the new role and has become one of main players for the Magpies.

However, Lance state Joelinton isn’t a well-known name in Brazil. He may change the perception of his countrymen is given an opportunity to represent the national team.