Newcastle United are believed to be focusing on thrilling younger abilities who might help to strengthen the squad for the long-term, with Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth having already secured the signing of 18-year-old Garang Kuol forward of the January switch window.
The Tynesiders might nicely add to that by bringing in fellow teenager Matheus France from Flamengo, with Globo reporting that Ashworth and co have an interest in signing the promising Brazilian prospect.
The 18-year-old is believed to have a €100m (£87m) launch clause in his current cope with his present membership, though earlier experiences have advised that fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace have been eyeing a transfer for nearer to £15m.
That latter payment might signify one thing of a steal for the “special” expertise – as described by expertise scout Jacek Kulig – with the thrilling ahead having already scored six occasions in simply 25 senior appearances to this point.
The Brazil U20 worldwide additionally affords outstanding versatility as a result of his capacity to characteristic by way of the center or in a midfield position, with the aforementioned Kulig having previously stated: “Great midfielder, great striker, he can play almost everywhere. One of the most exciting teenagers in Brazil at the moment.”
Interestingly so far as the St James’ Park outfit are involved, Franca additionally shares plenty of stylistic and statistical similarities with one other reported Newcastle goal in the type of Goncalo Ramos, based on FBref.
The Benfica gem was seemingly a “top target” for the Magpies throughout the summer season, based on journalist Fabrizio Romano, whereas transfer insider Dean Jones has advised GIVEMESPORT that Ashworth and co are nonetheless forward of 2023.
The 21-year-old – who might price round €120m (£105m) as a result of his launch clause – has been in prolific kind this season with 15 objectives and 6 assists in 22 video games for the Lisbon outfit, having additionally scored four occasions in simply 5 video games for his nation at senior degree.
However, the “remarkable” predator – as described by Gary Lineker – might nicely show costly as a result of that aforementioned asking worth, therefore Newcastle probably needing to have a look at Franca as an appropriate alternative.
The duo’s likeness is illustrated by the truth that Ramos ranks in the top 8% in the Men’s subsequent eight competitions for go completion, whereas the Flamengo gem is just simply behind as he ranks in the top 16%, showcasing their high quality in possession.
Equally, whereas the latter ranks in the top 6% for non-penalty objectives, Ramos is just simply forward as he options in the top 5% in that regard, with the pair proving particularly ruthless from open play.
As such, turning to Franca might nicely be a really perfect alternative to the Portuguese gem in the New Year, with the teenage Brazilian starlet set to be a potential signing who might nicely sparkle for the Magpies for the lengthy haul.