Report: Newcastle willing to pay £30m to beat Barcelona to one of Brazil’s ‘hottest prospects’

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Newcastle United are willing to meet the asking price of Vasco da Gama to try and sign Brazilian wonderkid, Andrey Santos.

That’s according to iNews anyway, who claim the Magpies are in a race to sign Santos alongside both PSG and Barcelona. It’s reported that Newcastle hope their new found status and financial power will give them the edge in the race for Santos and it’s even claimed they’re willing to meet a £30m asking-price.

Chief scout Steve Nickson is said to be confident he can use his contacts – as well as Newcastle’s financial power – to convince Santos that St James’ Park is the place for him. Of course, the Mags signed Bruno Guimaraes and they’ll be hoping Santo takes note of the former Lyon man’s success so far.

Santos, who is described as being a box to box midfielder and one South America’s hottest prospects by iNews, is likely to welcome a move to Europe. Whether or not Newcastle can indeed turn his head though, remains to be seen.

PSG and Barcelona will know their names and legacy holds weight. The task for Newcastle, then, is to present a better package to convince Santos.

TBR’s View: Test Of Newcastle’s Ambition

These will be the sorts of signing PIF want the club to get over the line. If they can start pinching the very best talent from South America ahead of big clubs like PSG and Barca, then it shows they’re in business.

Santos will be able to look at last season as well as Guimaraes as inspiration for wanting a move to the northeast. Of course, Paris and Barcelona might have added attraction on the surface. But we’ve seen how the Toon Army embrace players at times, and Santos might enjoy that aspect.