Brazilian media outlet TNT Sports has revealed that Newcastle have ‘made contact’ with Vasco da Gama for youngster Andrey Santos, who has shown ‘big potential’ in Brazil’s second division.
The 18-year-old midfielder has just signed a new five-year deal with his boyhood club who he has played for since the age of seven, but is already being monitored by some big European clubs, with Barcelona also said to be interested.
Last season, the young star scored five times in 27 appearances following his promotion to the first team back in January and his good form has earned him a call-up to the Under-20’s national team.
With Brazilian midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton at the club, Santos would certainly fit in well with the current ethos at the club and could greatly benefit from training with his fellow countrymen.
In terms of price, the Rio de Janeiro-born star may prove to be quite costly given his long-term contract as well as a potential bidding war between European giants.
Newcastle chief scout Steve Nickson has often scouted for young talent in Brazil while Dan Ashworth frequently surveyed the South American market during his time at Brighton, so this could well be one to keep an eye on.
