Report: Newcastle scout Gabriel Barbosa in Copa Libertadores final

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Newcastle United sent scouts to watch Gabriel Barbosa in the Copa Libertadores final – and they would have been seriously impressed.

Barbosa, also known as Gabigol, scored twice and received a red card in the final. According to The Chronicle, Newcastle had scouts present to watch him in action.

The Brazil international was once dubbed ‘the next Neymar’. He enjoyed a similar rise through the ranks in Brazil, scoring freely for Santos before his move to Inter Milan in 2016.

His time in Europe has been less successful. Barbosa scored just once in 10 games for Inter and once in five games during a loan spell at Benfica. He returned to Brazil with loan spells at Santos and Flamengo and he has not looked back.

With 31 goals in 38 games for Flamengo, Barbosa is loving life in Rio de Janeiro. But Inter still own him and he needs to make a decision on his future. Newcastle could be his next destination if they firm up their interest with a concrete bid.

TBR’s view

Barbosa could be a wildcard signing that helps Newcastle get to the next level. The 23-year-old has been prolific in Brazil and he has never really had a chance in Europe so this gamble could pay off.

Between Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle, Newcastle’s strikers have scored just one goal this season. With Barbosa finishing off chances, Newcastle could be a new team.