Vasco da Gama sporting director Paulo Bracks has denied reports Newcastle United have made a £30m approach for Andrey Santos.
On Tuesday Globo Esporte claimed that PIF had made a €35m (£30m) bid for the 18-year-old midfielder currently plying his trade with Vasco in Brazil’s second tier.
It was thought that the club would mull over the offer in the coming days following the news that the starlet had just penned a new five-year deal keeping at Vasco until 2027.
Globo Esporte had stated that the new deal hadn’t yet been made official despite a tweet posted by the club’s account.
Nevertheless, Bracks has now said in a press conference as relayed by Somos Fanaticos that the Magpies are yet to come forward with and that Vasco do not need to sell the player.
“I can already say that there is no proposal from Newscastle for Andrey,” he said.
“He didn’t receive a proposal, Vasco didn’t receive a proposal. The athlete has a renewed contract. The negotiation of athletes will happen, yes, but not out of necessity, but because of choice.”
Bracks elaborated that the Serie B outfit are now in a strong position financially thanks to the recent takeover from 777 Partners based in Miami, Florida.
Nevertheless, the chance of a move to one of Europe’s top leagues is something that is of appeal to the six-cap Brazil U16 prospect.
However, with a host of European clubs such as Barcelona as well as reports linking Wolves, Benfica, Monaco and AC Milan with a move the Toon will have mighty competition for the teenager.
After just 27 senior appearances Santos is already gaining comparisons to Sergio Busquets with former Lyon star Juninho labelling the highly-touted youngster a ‘monster’ (GOAL) so it will be interesting to see if Newcastle can pip the others to his signature as it appears that the midfielder could certainly have a bright future in front of him.
