An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Santos teenager Angelo Gabriel in the summer transfer window...
What's the talk?
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the Magpies are in talks over a deal to sign the Brazilian teenager ahead of the 2022/23 campaign after failing in an initial bid to sign him for £17m.
Magpies reporter Mark Douglas has relayed the report, Tweeting: "Interesting report from Globo that Steve Nickson travelled to Brazil to start negotiations for 17-year-old Santos striker Angelo. Fast, skillful Brazil under-17 striker tracked by Barca, Liverpool & Real Madrid. NUFC proposed €20m but rejected. Long-term target."
The reporter added: "NUFC clearly trying to make an impact in South American market. Nickson has great contacts in Brazil & NUFC have Bruno & Joelinton to act as cheerleaders now too...."
Neymar 2.0
By securing a deal to bring Gabriel to St. James' Park this summer, Newcastle could be landing the new version of PSG superstar Neymar.
The former Barcelona man and current Brazil international also came up through the ranks at Santos as a skilful winger and scored 70 goals in 134 games for the club before making his way over to Europe.
He has since scored 205 times and assisted 136 for Barcelona and PSG combined, along with 74 goals in 119 caps for his country, proving himself to be a consistently brilliant forward at the top level.
Neymar began his journey as a teenager at Santos and that is the position that Gabriel is in now. Despite not turning 18 until December, the £9m-rated gem has already racked up 74 first-team appearances and chipped in with two goals and four assists - showing that he is trusted to play on a regular basis in spite of his lack of experience.
The 17-year-old phenomenon has been called up by Brazil at U16 and U17 level and is clearly making big strides in his career at such a young age. Newcastle have been impressed by what they have seen of him and Santos believe that he is worth more than £17m, which shows how highly they rate the young talent.
It remains to be seen whether or not he will go on to be anywhere near as good as Neymar Europe but he is showing very promising signs at a young age, just like the PSG man did at the same club.
The Magpies must now work hard to reach an agreement to snap him up so that Eddie Howe can, hopefully, coach him into becoming Newcastle's own version of the £200m Brazilian magician for many years to come.