Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Newcastle are ‘monitoring’ Andrey Santos.
TNT Sports recently revealed that the Magpies had entered the race to sign the Brazilian teenager alongside Barcelona and Flamengo.
The 18-year-old has impressed with five goals in 24 league appearances from midfield for Vasco da Gama and had reportedly caught the eye of a number of European clubs including Wolves, Benfica, Monaco and AC Milan.
Globo Esporte claimed that the Toon had already made an offer of around €35m (£30m), before Vasco sporting director Paulo Bracks insisted in a press conference (as relayed by Somos Fanaticos) that the Rio de Janeiro club were yet to receive an approach.
Romano has now provided some clarity on the situation.
Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, he said: “Andrey Santos is a big talent from Vasco da Gama. Newcastle are monitoring him.
“The news from Brazil is correct; it is true they are monitoring him. They are really interested in him; let’s see if they will negotiate to sign him but he is one of the players they are monitoring in Brazil.”
PIF’s chance to make a statement
The six-cap Brazil under-16 prospect is said to have agreed a contract renewal lasting until 2027, as confirmed by his current employers via Twitter, which will perhaps inflate his sell-on price.
With comparisons to Sergio Busquets, and former Lyon midfielder Juninho Pernambucano endorsing his compatriot as a “monster”, the youngster is likely to have a queue of potential suitors lining up to take him off Vasco’s hands. It will be interesting to see if Newcastle can win the race for Santos’ signature in what could be a real statement from PIF
