Newcastle linked to Brazilian forward Luan.
Newcastle United were this weekend linked with a move for Brazilian forward Luan, via The Sun.
Luan has been one of South America’s best players this past year, putting in sensational performances for Gremio in the Copa Libertadores.
He is said to under consideration as an alternative to Nicolai Jorgensen and has a £17.5 million release clause in his contract.
Luan scored 15 goals in 32 matches last season for Gremio, with 8 in 12 in the Libertadores.
A move for Luan could turn out to be inspired for Newcastle if he can bring that form with him to England.
But it could also be seen as a little bit of a desperate move at this late stage of the transfer window.
Jorgensen is clearly Newcastle’s first choice, having seen two bids rejected so far by Feyenoord.
Turning their attentions to Brazil would be a change of strategy, making a spectacular move to appease frustrated supporters and manager Rafa Benitez.
It would be a gamble because despite Luan’s outstanding record in his homeland, the 24-year-old has no experience in European football.
Newcastle could be an ideal place for him to get started, but the pressure on the team right now on and off the pitch will not make it easy for him to succeed.
Jorgensen is a player proven in Europe and at international level, Luan is neither.
He would get fans buzzing and give the club a lift – signing him is preferable to signing nobody, but he would not be a guaranteed instant hit and would look strongly like a panic buy.
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