Newcastle United are still trying to secure a loan deal for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa as they chase another striker.
One striker came in just days ago with Newcastle raiding Burnley to sign Chris Wood, bolstering Eddie Howe’s attack.
Yet with Callum Wilson out injured, Newcastle still need another option up top – and Barbosa is seemingly one of the targets.
Transfer insider Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Newcastle haven’t given up hope of bringing Barbosa – known as Gabigol – to Tyneside.
Jones claims that Gabigol isn’t a top target at Newcastle, but talks are ongoing with his agents in the hope of a loan deal.
“I’ve been assured Newcastle’s interest in Gabigol is ongoing,” said Jones. “I wouldn’t say he’s a prime target in this moment but dialogue is still open with his representatives incase they can find a way to get him through the door. Ideally, they want him on loan,” he added.
Gabigol, 25, has been a goal machine for Flamengo. In 139 games, Gabigol has smashed 89 goals.
With two league titles and a Copa Libertadores to his name with Flamengo, Gabigol may now be ready for another crack at Europe.
Some will remember that Gabigol was a wanted man in his formative years at Santos. Inter Milan signed him in 2016, but his time in Europe was miserable.
One in 10 games for Inter, one goal in five games on loan at Benfica. It looked like Gabigol had been found out away from Brazil.
Gabigol went back home and has been back in the goals, starring for Flamengo – and attracting European interest again.
Reports earlier this month suggested that West Ham United made an offer for Gabigol, but it was rejected.
Intriguingly, The Chronicle have claimed that Gabigol is keen to sign for Newcastle this month if the move advances.
Newcastle are seemingly keen to get Gabigol in too, but he may just be a backup target behind Reims star Hugo Ekitike as things stand.
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