Report: Newcastle add £17m midfielder to shortlist, dubbed the 'Brazilian Pogba'

By Will Butcher

Sky Sports claim that Newcastle have added Marseille midfielder Gerson to their January shortlist. The Brazilian only completed a move to the French club in the summer, but the Toon are now said to be looking at the ex-Roma ace.

Gerson, 24, has been in excellent form for Marseille since his £17million (GFFN) move from Flamengo. Of course, Gerson had previously chanced his arm in Europe at Roma, and then a loan at Fiorentina, but he returned to Brazil.

Now in France, Gerson has seemingly found a home. Clocking up 21 appearances in all competitions already, Gerson has had a hand in five goals – scoring three and laying on two assists. His form, and versatility, has not gone unnoticed.

Sky Sports list names that the club want in January; Gerson is on that list. A player, once dubbed the next Paul Pogba – Gerson addressing them on Globo Esporte: “The Pogba comparisons originate from my early days at Fluminense.”

Gerson to Newcastle: Could the Brazilian Pogba really join the Toon?

Gerson has been all over the world playing football already. At 24, he has been in Brazil, gone to Italy, returned to Brazil and then France. Now, he has a home in Marseille – and is shining on the European stage.

So, would he really want to jump ship again when things are going so well? The financial power of Newcastle and the lure of the Premier League may be tempting, but surely, such a move would have to wait until the summer.