Newcastle are interested in signing Fluminense forward Marcos Paulo in the summer, according to Gazeta Esportiva.
The Brazilian club aren’t confident that the 19-year old will remain with them for much longer, according to Gazeta’s report, with the Rio de Janerio-based outfit having accepted that it’s very likely that the forward will leave in the summer.
The Magpies are one such club to have registered an interest in the forward, although they will face competition for his signature, with Barcelona and CSKA Moscow both also interested.
Gazeta claim that CSKA have already had a bid of €7million rejected by both the club and the player, with the young Brazilian keen to play in a more prestigious league.
Barcelona are said to be in initial discussions with Paulo’s representatives, having sent officials of their own to watch the player in action last year.
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Barcelona’s interest in Paulo certainly makes Newcastle’s job an awful lot harder, if the Magpies are indeed interested in signing the young forward.
Barcelona have a history of plucking exciting young talents from Brazil, such as Arthur and Douglas in recent years, and given the club’s rich and storied history, as well as their elite reputation, Newcastle may struggle to convince Paulo to favour Tyneside over Catalonia.
With the long-term future of Yoshinori Muto appearing to be uncertain (Chronicle Live), and with Joelinton having failed to impress this season, having scored once in 25 Premier League appearances (Transfermarkt), it stands to reason that the Tyneside club are exploring their options regarding possible summer recruits.
Should Newcastle make a move for Paulo it could be a gamble, with the 19-year old having only played in the Brazilian Serie A.
That lack of experience means that he would be a risk, although if Barcelona do decide to firm up their interest, then the Magpies probably won’t stand a chance at signing the forward anyway.
