According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are showing serious in Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The transfer expert claims that he is a player the club “love”, revealing that we have been long term admirers of the Brazilian and could battle Barcelona for his signature.
Romano reports that we have also been tracking Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey – the Scottish sensation he rates very highly as a journalist based it Italy.
This isn’t the first time we’ve been tipped to make a move for the 19-year-old – who is expected to move on this summer with a host of top clubs watching him closely – but it’s Raphinha who could be the perfect signing for Eddie Howe, being a Premier League proven winger who could add serious quality to the right side of our attack.
Here’s what the Italian journalist had to say in latest podcast appearance, discussing our transfer ethos under new owners, our search for more ‘Bruno Guimaraes deals’ and our interest in Raphinha and Hickey:
“The Bruno Guimaraes deal will be the model for them.
“A player Newcastle love is Raphinha.
“We know that Barcelona are leading the race to sign him.
“But Newcastle have been exploring this possibility for a long time.”
“They want players who are ready for the present, but also good for the future – not just names.
“Another player they’ve been following for a long time is Aron Hickey.
“Bologna left-back, Scottish player. A really talented boy.
“I live in Italy and follow Serie A and this boy is really, really special…a very good left-back.”
