Newcastle United remain keen on signing Matheus Franca even with Crystal Palace seemingly closing in.
That is according to The Sun, who claim that Eddie Howe is a ‘big admirer’ of Franca.
It’s stated that Newcastle made not one, not two but three bids to sign Franca in January.
Newcastle allegedly offered £11.5million, £12million and £14million for Franca but Flamengo rejected those bids.
The Magpies haven’t ended their interest in Franca just yet with Howe still keen to bring him to St James’ Park.
The problem for Newcastle is that Crystal Palace are moving forward with their interest in Franca.
It’s suggested that Palace are prepared to offer around £15million to try and secure Franca’s signature.
The Daily Mail add that Palace’s talks to sign Franca are ‘intensifying’ and Flamengo would like a deal worth around £30million.
Palace would be willing to offer £20million plus add-ons and the Eagles would like to secure a deal soon.
Who is Newcastle United target Matheus Franca?
Franca has become one of the top young talents in Brazilian football with Flamengo.
The 19-year-old has already made 46 appearances for Flamengo’s first team and is being backed for a huge future.
Franca has bagged eight goals in that time, showing big potential as a number 10.
Hailed as a ‘great finisher’ in front of goal, Franca has could become a real star for Brazil in the coming years.
Newcastle and Palace may well sense a bargain if they can convince Flamengo to sell for a fee miles away from his release clause.
Fabrizio Romano reported in February that Franca’s new contract includes a release clause worth around €200million (£176million).
Flamengo won’t be receiving that kind of money but Franca may well be a Premier League player next season.
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