Report: Newcastle confident of beating Barcelona to ‘complete’ talent who’s ‘surpassed’ Coutinho

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are in talks with Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama over midfield talent Andrey Santos, according to 90Min.

The Magpies are currently in the process of bolstering their academy ranks and are on the lookout for world-class youngsters.

In the last few weeks, Newcastle secured the signing of Australian starlet Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners.

Now, according to 90Min, the Magpies are hoping to get a deal for Santos over the line.

The 18-year-old holding midfielder has apparently been Newcastle’s radar for more than 12 months.

Also, the Magpies and Vasco have apparently had lines of communication open since the summer.

Vasco are believed to be looking at a deal worth over £20m for Santos.

They believe him to be one of the best young players in Brazil.

Newcastle, with their financial muscle, have not been scared off by such a price tag.

Indeed, the Magpies are apparently confident of agreeing a deal for Santos.

The teenager has also been linked with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle target Andrey Santos – factfile

Santos has come through the ranks at Vasco da Gama and has made 33 senior appearances to date.

He has also registered seven goals for the Serie B side, a good tally from midfield.

Santos has also earned huge praise from Juninho Pernambucano, his idol.

Juninho said of the Brazil Under-20 ace, as quoted by Foot The Ball: “Physically, he is a monster.

“Without the ball, his participation in the game is total.

“I wanted to see his GPS because he doesn’t stop.

“And technically, he’s way above the others.

“He’s not going to be better than me, he’s going to be much better than me.

“He is a much more complete player. At 18, I didn’t play half as much as he does

“At 18, I didn’t play half as much as he does, I’m not ashamed to say that.”

Foot The Ball said in August that Andrey ‘has also surpassed Vasco academy graduates Philippe Coutinho, Douglas Luiz and Allan… in terms of what he has achieved at such an age.’