Evanilson wants to stay at FC Porto despite speculation linking the forward with a staggering £85 million move to Premier League outfit Newcastle United, his agent tells O Jogo.
After shattering their transfer record to bring in the much-admired Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, could Eddie Howe’s side repeat the trick before the clock strikes 11pm on Thursday? Well, probably not in all honesty.
According to Jornal de Noticias, the Magpies have their beady eyes firmly fixed another shiny jewel. Brazilian striker Evanilson was scouted, alongside right-winger Pepe, during Porto’s 3-0 victory against 2021 Primeira Liga champions Sporting Lisbon earlier in August.
But Porto are understandably keen to avoid losing such a key player so late in the window. As such, the Dragoes would refuse to let Evanilson go for a penny less than his eye-watering £85 million release clause.
Now, Newcastle have money. What they don’t have, however, is a reckless approach to recruitment, Isak’s arrival coming on the back of some sensible, solid-rather-than-spectacular additions.
And anyway, Evanilson is in no mood to force a departure from the Estadio do Dragao. Not just yet anyway.
Newcastle United have scouted Porto striker Evanilson
“His idea is to continue at FC Porto this season,” explains Marcio Barros, the 22-year-old’s agent.
“He has shown the coach (Sergio Conceicao) that he can count on him. Evanilson’s focus is 100 per cent at FC Porto.
“It’s obvious that all players think about a transfer if that possibility arises. Evanilson is no exception. But his mind was never outside FC Porto.”
The former Fluminense hitman fired Porto to a league and cup double in 2021/22. He hit 21 goals in all competitions, and has three in five games already this campaign. In truth, considering the styles of their similarities and roles, Evanilson was always likely to be an alternative to Alexander Isak, rather than one Newcastle would sign alongside the Sweden international.
Interestingly, Barros admitted an approach from Brighton and Hove Albion for Evanilson earlier in the window (ZeroZero).
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