Carlos Daniel’s lack of opportunities at Atletico Mineiro are raising eyebrows with the youngster in talks over a move to Premier League giants Newcastle United, as reported by Globo Esporte.
The reigning Brazilian champions will be without both of their first choice right-backs during Saturday’s Campeonato clash with Democrata. But, despite those absences, the highly-rated Daniel still hasn’t been called up to the first-team.
The 20-year-old wideman is yet to make a single senior appearance for Atletico, instead plying his trade for the club’s second string. A lack of opportunities do not appear to have not put off long time suitors Newcastle United, however.
“The contact (with the Magpies) has been going on since June last year,” explains Daniel’s agent, Anderson Fia. “It has now been intensified again.
“The team was bought by Mohammed bin Salman. But the director (presumably he’s referring to Steve Nickson here) stayed, and he liked Carlos a lot.”
Daniel has a £40 million release clause in his contract.
Newcastle might have more money in their back pockets than King Croesus after a lottery win these days but it remains to be seen whether The Magpies would be willing to pay a club-record fee for a youngster without a single first-team appearance under his belt.
Is Carlos Daniel heading to Newcastle United?
“It was said since the beginning of the year that he would be on standby. That, at any moment, he would have the opportunity (to play),” says a puzzled Fia, suggesting that Daniel will be left out against Democrata despite the lack of right-backs available for selection.
“We are all imagining that he would be the right option for this game. But, so far, he has not been called up. We do not understand why either.
“But he’s been training well. So let’s hope that opportunities will naturally come and he’s going to seize them.”
Daniel is one of a number of highly-rated youngsters on Newcastle’s summer hitlist, alongside the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Boubacar Kamara and Moussa Diaby.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
