An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their efforts to bring Matheus Franca to St. James' Park during the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

90min reporter Graeme Bailey has claimed that the Magpies are continuing "talks" to sign the Flamengo attacking midfielder heading into the final throes of the month.

The accompanying article from the journalist states that Bayer Leverkusen have had a £10m bid rejected for the gem and that Newcastle have offered £14m, as Dan Ashworth looks to snap the talented dynamo up.

It is stated, however, that Flamengo want a fee in the region of £18m for Franca but it remains to be seen whether or not these latest talks between the Magpies and the Brazilian outfit will end in the English side meeting their demands.

Imagine him & Alexander Isak

Ashworth could secure the future of Eddie Howe's attack at St. James' Park by swooping to sign Franca for £18m this month as the 18-year-old is a player with the potential to be a long-term asset to the club.

The Magpies chief already invested heavily in the club's future in the last transfer window as he splashed out a club-record fee on Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.

At the age of 23, the Sweden international is someone who has made an immediate impact in the Premier League but also has time on his side to be a crucial member of Howe's team for many, many, years to come.

Isak has scored three goals in four top-flight appearances, starting three times, since making the switch to Tyneside and is showing that he has already adapted to playing in English football.

The striker could be the club's go-to number nine in the long-term and Franca could join him in forming part of Newcastle's attacking set-up now and in the future.

In 2022, the Flamengo gem made 17 appearances in the Brazilian top-flight and averaged an impressive Sofascore rating of 6.92 - chipping in with four goals from an attacking midfield position.

At the age of 18, the dynamo has already racked up seven goals in 28 first-team appearances for his side and has been called up by Brazil at three different age groups, which shows that his country sees potential in his performances.

Therefore, Franca could be a future, and current, star for Newcastle if he is able to adapt to English football in the way that Isak has been able to and the pair could make for an exciting pairing for Howe in the years to come.