Newcastle in talks over Matheus Franca transfer as Eddie Howe looks to snap up Flamengo’s 18-year-old Brazilian kid

NEWCASTLE are reportedly in talks to sign Flamengo’s Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca.

The Magpies have allowed striker Chris Wood to join Nottingham Forest this month, leaving them searching for attacking reinforcements.

AFP

Newcastle are chasing Flamengo’s Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca[/caption]

They have been in negotiations with the Brazil club over a move for the teenager since the start of the month.

German side Bayer Leverkusen have allegedly already had a £10million bid rejected for Franca.

Now 90min claims that Newcastle have made a bid worth around £14m.

However, Flamengo “want more money” and are allegedly pushing for a deal of around £18m.

Franca is considered to be one of Brazil’s top prospects and he has attracted interest from elsewhere too.

Both Lyon and Real Madrid are also said to be keeping tabs on the starlet.

The Brazil U20 international has burst on to the scene with Flamengo over the past year and is now a regular in their starting line-up.

Usually deployed in the No10 role, he has fired five goals in 22 appearances.

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He is currently under contract until 2027 with his package containing a release clause for a mega £75m.

Newcastle are still looking to free up room in their squad for a new midfielder by making two other stars available.

SunSport reported this week that winger Ryan Fraser and goalkeeper Karl Darlow are both available for transfer this month.