Newcastle now preparing £16m bid in January window for 21-goal Chelsea target

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Newcastle United are ready to make a £16 million bid for Marcos Leonardo when the January transfer window opens as they look to beat Chelsea to the Santos forward’s signature.

That is according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (19/11; page 73), which notes that Real Madrid are also admirers of the 20-year-old.

Newcastle ready to make £16m Marcos Leonardo bid

The January transfer window is looking set to be a crucial one for Eddie Howe‘s side. It has been a mixed start to the campaign for the Magpies, who find themselves six points off the top four in the Premier League and bottom of their Champions League group.

There has even been speculation over Howe’s Newcastle future. And with a number of players already out injured, it appears to be imperative that the Magpies make signings in January.

The Sunday Mirror (19/11; page 73) reports that Newcastle are already preparing to make a bid for Marcos Leonardo.

Newcastle had reportedly been told that he would cost £25 million. However, they are planning to offer £16 million for the Brazil under-20 international in the new year.

The report adds that the likes of Chelsea, Fulham, Real Madrid and Roma are also keen on Leonardo.

And they may not be the only sides to consider a move. Reports from Football Transfers in the summer claimed that Arsenal want Leonardo. Meanwhile, West Ham also looked at Leonardo before the deadline.

Potential coup for Magpies

Leonardo has scored 21 goals in all competitions in each of the last two seasons. So if he can maintain something like that form, he could be a really smart signing for Newcastle.

Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have only made 11 league starts between them this season. So it would be a smart move to bring someone else in when the window opens.

Judging by the clubs chasing Leonardo, it could be a coup for Newcastle to secure his signature.