Angelo Gabriel’s agent has played down claims that Newcastle United have submitted a £22 million bid to bring the Santos wonderkid to the Premier League in 2023, in quotes reported by Newcastle World.
On Sunday afternoon, Eddie Howe’s side secured a statement win away at Tottenham Hotspur with the Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes helping to out-run and out-fight Antonio Conte’s bumbling hosts.
And the presence of two Samba stars at St James’ Park is likely to stand Newcastle in good stead as they look to lure some of the brightest young talents in South America to Tyneside in the New Year.
Newcastle are reportedly confident of beating PSG and Barcelona to the £30 million-rated Andrey Santos. Vasco da Gama team-mate Eguinaldo is another on their radar (90Min).
17-year-old whizzkid Angelo Gabriel, meanwhile, remains a top target. Even after seeing an opening bid worth £18 million rejected over the summer.
Newcastle United eye Angelo Gabriel after Liverpool scouting mission
“Angelo is on Newcastle’s agenda,” explains Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola. “The first offer made by Newcastle was 20 million euros. Santos replied that they would only do business for 30 million euros.
“The news comes from Santos on Monday morning that Newcastle raised the bid to 25 million euros; halfway between what they first offered and what Santos asks for.
“Newcastle’s idea is to take Angelo at the turn of the year, so he can adapt from January.”
A right-footed left-winger likened (unsurprisingly given his style and background) to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar; Angelo Gabriel has already played over 60 league games to Santos. That is despite the fact he doesn’t even turn 18 until December.
The forwards’ agent, however, is playing down reports of an imminent move across the Atlantic.
“So far, we don’t have anything concrete,” Rodrigo Alija explains. “And we’re not going to talk about any polls or any ongoing negotiations. If and when there is something concrete, it will be reported.”
Interestingly, Santos’ sporting director admitted that Liverpool were scouting Gabriel not so long ago.
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