Report: Newcastle interested in Fluminense starlet Marcos Paulo

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Newcastle United are reportedly showing interest in Fluminense youngster Marcos Paulo.

According to a report from Gazeta Esportiva, the Magpies are one of three teams keen on the 19-year-old Portuguese-born Brazilian starlet.

The report claims CSKA Moscow recently failed with an offer of €7 million/£6 million, and Barcelona are also said to be showing interest.

It is stated that it is Paulo’s desire to play in a more attractive league, which is why he is supposedly waiting for offers from other teams.

Barca supposedly sent representatives to observe the player last year, which would perhaps suggest they are favourites for the centre-forward, who Globo Esporte say has a €34 million/£29 million release clause.

With Luis Suarez now 33, it makes sense that Barca are starting to think about life after the Uruguayan.

TBR’s view – Newcastle bid unlikely?

Newcastle’s interest might not amount to anything given the lure of Barca, who have made a habit of signing Brazilians down the years.

But maybe a move for Paulo could be worth considering, with Dwight Gayle having had many opportunities to prove himself in the Premier League and Andy Carroll injury-prone and ageing.

That Barcelona are reportedly interested probably tells its own story, but any move for Paulo would still be a risk for Newcastle given he’s in the Brazilian Serie A and has a lack of experience.