A month ago, we relayed news from Brazil that Newcastle United are among the clubs to have showed interest in Flamengo youngster Matheus França.
The 18-year-old was promoted to the club’s first team in 2021 and has been a regular for them in the second half of this year. He managed six goals in all competitions in the recently concluded season in Brazil.
França’s performances have been monitored by several clubs for over a year, and his form in the past few months has seen him also end up in the sights of Newcastle United.
That’s according to Globo Esporte, who state the Magpies have ‘opened negotiations with Flamengo to buy’ the forward in January.
The teenager’s deal lasts until 2027 and the report don’t mention the fee Eddie Howe’s side are willing to pay or the price Flamengo are demanding to let go of their ‘main jewel’.
Globo, however, relay claims made elsewhere earlier this week about Flamengo rejecting a €14m bid from Bayer Leverkusen for França. This suggests Newcastle will have make an offer higher than this figure to convince the South American club to let go of the attacker.
If Newcastle or another club fail to sign França in the winter market, Flamengo plan to include him in their squad for the Club World Cup that will take place in February.
