Newcastle transfer news: Leverkusen plot swoop for Magpies wonderkid target

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Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly already plotting a summer swoop to sign Flamengo wonderkid Matheus Franca, even with the Brazilian having his heart set on a move to Newcastle United.

According to Coluna do Fla, the 18-year-old midfielder is already a summer option for the Bundesliga giants with Franca almost certainly set to leave Brazil at the end of the European season, with Newcastle being heavily linked with the Flamengo talent.

As per the report, the Magpies had three offers rejected by the Rio de Janeiro giants, with Newcastle set to try their luck again to sign Franca in the summer as the Toon look to bring in a world-class South American talent to add to their growing ranks.

However, Newcastle now face competition for the teenager in the form of European rivals Leverkusen, with Xabi Alonso seemingly keen to bring in the South American wonderkid ahead of what could be a huge summer for the Bundesliga club.

Leverkusen have been transformed by the former Liverpool midfielder since his appointment as head coach earlier in the season, and fans will be expected Alonso to be backed in the summer market, with Franca an ideal target for a top side in the Bundesliga.

Indeed, there is still salvation for Newcastle due to the mere fact that Franca himself seems keen on a move to the Premier League, and with Eddie Howe’s side flying this season, there’s every chance that the Brazilian wonderkid will opt to sign for the Toon rather than Leverkusen.

Newcastle have to beat Leverkusen to Franca signing

With the financial backing of the PIF regime, Newcastle are being cautious when it comes to making too big a splash in the transfer market, hence why the Magpies have already had three bids rejected from Flamengo for their 18-year-old superstar. Yet this summer will have to be the time where Howe and his team secure the signing.

As we know, Newcastle have been heavily linked with signing a wonderkid from South America ever since the takeover in 2021, and with Franca keen on a move to England, the Magpies must do all they can to sign the midfielder ahead of Leverkusen, who could provide some strong competition.