Newcastle United have failed with a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez – and signing Flamengo hitman Gabriel Barbosa may not be any easier.
The Mirror claim that Newcastle went seeking a move for Nunez, but Benfica outright refused to sell their star striker.
Benfica would only consider selling Nunez in the summer, and told Newcastle he will cost a huge £60million.
Nunez, 22, has racked up 18 goals and two assists in 22 games this season.
A physical forward who has even been utilised out wide, Nunez appears to be a star of the future.
Benfica are unsurprisingly reluctant to sell, and that means Newcastle are now turning towards Barbosa.
Newcastle face uphill battle in Gabriel Barbosa chase
The report claims that Newcastle have since turned to Flamengo star Barbosa in search of goals.
Agent Pini Zahavi is allegedly pushing Barbosa towards Newcastle having been charged with the task of brokering the deal.
Flamengo are happy for Barbosa to go out on loan until the summer, as long as the deal includes a £17million purchase clause.
The problem is that Barbosa doesn’t want the move because he doesn’t think Newcastle can sign top players.
Fearing relegation to the Championship, Barboas is reluctant to join Newcastle.
That may be a common situation in January. Newcastle may have cash after their takeover, but their perilous situation makes it hard to attract players.
Barbosa, who has smashed 84 goals and 26 assists in 124 games for Flamengo, could have been an exciting capture for Newcastle, but a deal looks difficult.
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