Agent says Newcastle have ‘intensified’ talks to sign his £40m client

Follow us on Google Discover

Premier League giants Newcastle United are keen on Atletico Mineiro youngster Carlos Daniel and have ‘intensified’ talks with the right-back, agent Anderson Fia tells Globo Esporte. 

The average age of Newcastle’s five January signings – 28 – is more a reflection of the club’s precarious position in the league table than their long-term transfer strategy.

With their top-flight status on the line, the Magpies prioritised proven, top-flight operators, players like Dan Burn and Matt Targett. Those capable of slotting straight into Eddie Howe’s XI without the need for an adaptation period at St James’ Park. 

Come the summer, don’t be surprised if Newcastle do things differently. Money may be no object on Tyneside but that does not mean this suddenly cash-rich club have no concept of value.

There will be no ‘Gallowgate Galacticos.’ Instead, Newcastle may be England’s answer to RB Leipzig.  

Sven Botman, Hugo Ekitike, Ebere Eze; This is the sort of player Newcastle will be targeting in the long-term. Young, hungry, highly promising and with their best years ahead of them.  

Will Newcastle sign Carlos Daniel?

Carlos Daniel, a 20-year-old full-back making his name at the reigning Brazilian champions, ticks every one of those boxes.

And, according to Daniel’s agent, Newcastle have been in talks to sign the swashbuckling wide-man since the summer of 2021. 

“The contact has been going on since June last year,” Fia explains. “It has now been intensified again, because they followed the Copinha.” 

Daniel impressed as Atletico Mineiro featured in last month’s Copinha tournament. Essentially, a Brazilian equivalent of the FA Youth Cup.

“The team was bought by Mohammed bin Salman,” Fia adds. “But the director continued, and he liked Carlos a lot.”

A Steve Nickson signing?

The identity of that mystery ‘director’ remains unconfirmed. One presumes Fia may be referring to Steve Nickson, Newcastle’s long-serving Head of Recruitment. 

Without a director of football in place, Nickson played a major role in arguably the most important transfer window in Newcastle’s modern history last month.

According to The Athletic, the club’s new owners are more than satisfied with the job Nickson during January, the recruitment chief having struck up an immediate understanding with Eddie Howe. 

Carlos Daniel has a £40 million release clause in his contract. Due to their precarious financial situation, Atletico Mineiro will be tempted to sell for less.