Your Newcastle United transfer rumours for Monday, January 23.
Mags £4m short
Newcastle are £4million short of meeting Flamengo’s valuation for Matheus Franca, according to 90min. Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed last week that Toon chiefs had submitted a £14million bid for the midfielder.
At 18, Franca fits the profile for the type of player Dan Ashworth is aiming to sign. The Magpies’ sporting director told Sky Sports earlier this month that investing in youth players is a transfer priority.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's smile after Crystal Palace boo Newcastle off the pitch as feathers ruffled again
Flamengo are reportedly holding out for £18million, despite Franca having a £75million release clause in his contract. Real Madrid and Lyon are also expressing interest.
Toon battle AC… again
Newcastle are reportedly battling AC Milan for another Dutch defender. Last year, the two clubs were embroiled in a transfer tug-of-war for Sven Botman - a race the magpies eventually won.
Italian outlet Tutto Mercato claims there is strong interest in Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij. The potential of a controversial switch to the red-and-white half of Milan could swing the balance in Newcastle’s favour.
Speaking last month, De Vrij’s agent said: “There will be no shortage of offers but, at his age and for a very thoughtful boy like him, who has basically played for three clubs in his career, all aspects will be important.
“He will soon be a dad too and this will be another aspect he will take into consideration. The liking and the possibility to stay is absolute. At the end of the year, there will be many top clubs looking for a centre-back, there will be plenty of opportunities, but his assessments will concern not only the contractual aspect but also many elements, as mentioned.”
Arsenal aim for alternative
Our sister outlet, LeedsLive, is reporting that Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in signing Jack Harrison. There was interest from the Magpies last summer but a reported £35million price tag proved a stumbling block.
The 26-year-old has endured an inconsistent season at Elland Road. Just one goal in 17 games is a paltry return for a player who starred under Marcelo Bielsa two years ago.
Signing Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto, as well as the emergence of Crycensio Summerville, has placed the winger’s future under threat. The report suggests Arsenal’s interest comes after missing out on Chelsea new boy Mykhailo Mudryk.
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