Over the past few weeks, a host of reports from Brazil have backed Newcastle United to make a January move for Santos sensation Marcos Leonardo.
Real Madrid and Roma have also been linked with the striker, but Bolavip Brasil reported last week that we were ready to launch an €18m (£15.7m) bid for the 20-year-old.
Today, the player’s agent – Rafaela Pimenta – has revealed that the Brazilian looks set to leave ‘this winter’, confirming that he’s keen to leave South American to experience European football. Pimenta, who also represents Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba, believes the ‘time has come’ for him to move, suggesting he’ll be up for grabs in January.
Asked about a potential move following strong links with Newcastle, here’s what she had to say:
“Already in the previous transfer market he had the possibility of being sold, but Santos’ sporting situation was very particular. He agreed to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the championship”, she said.
“He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do. But the time has come to move. He wants to have a European experience and his time will come this winter.”