Newcastle had a representative present in Portugal to watch Porto’s game against Estoril, according to Graeme Bailey at HITC.
He reports that Toon scouts were sent to Porto to check out Brazilian forward Evanilson. But the club are not alone in their admiration of the striker, with Arsenal also keeping tabs on the player who has netted 22 times this season.
The same piece reveals that both clubs have also been watching Porto’s Alan Varela; the Argentine midfielder who has impressed following a move from Boca Juniors last summer. He was linked with a move to Tyneside before he joined the Primeira Liga giants.
Back to Evanilson, the 24-year-old has been in fine form for Porto and has Champions League experience, representing the Portuguese league runners-up against Arsenal in the knockout stages of this year’s competition.
Newcastle’s frailties up top have been exposed this season. Despite scoring over 60 goals in the league, it has become increasingly common that the Toon would only have one fit centre forward available for selection at a time. With Callum Wilson potentially heading for the exit door this summer after interest from clubs on the continent in January, it makes sense that the club is tracking forward players to play through the middle.
Evanilson, described as “fast” by Porto manager Sergio Conceicao, has been backed to break into the Brazilian national team. “He’s fast, he plays well with his back to goal, he makes very interesting movements attacking from deep. Evanilson is that striker that every coach wants to have,” the Porto boss told TNT Sports in 2023.
Eddie Howe definitely prefers speed in the front line with Gordon and Isak joining the club under his watch, as well as speedy winger Yankuba Minteh who is currently out on loan in the Netherlands.
Transfermarkt currently values Evanilson at €30m, meaning the Mags would likely have to pay upwards of that to bring the Brazilian to Tyneside and with financial rules restricting the overall business we can do, it may be a deal to keep an eye on into the summer.
HITC understands Arsenal and Newcastle United were represented at Porto’s recent clash against Estoril with Brazilian striker Evanilson the main reason for their attendance.@HITCfootball with @O_DawesSport https://t.co/Gi43Wg2ieM
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) April 1, 2024
