Newcastle leading race for Brazilian wonderkid – European giants can’t compete with Magpies

Newcastle United are suddenly placed at the head of the race for Brazilian starlet Vitor Roque.

The news comes from Spain, where Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo today features a short piece on the 18-year-old’s future.

It’s well known that Barcelona had always been the main contenders for this signing, but their pursuit is now taken with some pessimism from the local media.

Mundo Deportivo writes that Barça’s quest for the youngster ‘gets more and more complicated’, because besides competition from Arsenal and Chelsea, Newcastle are now serious about the signing.

It’s said the Magpies have already placed a bid which could surpass those from Gunners and Blues, who are already known for having a bigger financial capacity than Barcelona.

The newspaper just mentions one flaw that Newcastle supposedly have, which is the ‘sporting capacity’, meaning Vitor Roque could fight for bigger things at other clubs.

It’s highlighted that the youngster will have a say on his transfer, so even though Barça ‘can’t compete’ with the big offers, they are still hopeful they could convince the player. That’s why they don’t rule out a trip to Brazil to speak to him.

Now since his club Athletico Paranaense shall sell for the highest bidder, Newcastle still seem well placed, and that’s something we’ll have to wait and see.