Newcastle United are still pushing to sign Matheus Franca but Flamengo have now rejected another offer from the Magpies.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Newcastle have now launched a new bid worth €20million (£17.5million) for Franca.
However, Flamengo have again said no and don’t have any intention of selling.
It’s suggested that there is an ‘internal’ release clause for Franca to join another Brazilian club for around €25million (£22million).
Newcastle are close to that value and Flamengo would surely rather see him join the Magpies than a Brazilian rival.
That latter prospect does seem unlikely though and whilst Newcastle are pushing, a deal for Franca looks tricky ahead of the deadline.
Who is Newcastle United target Matheus Franca?
Franca was born in Rio de Janeiro and has been coming up through the Flamengo ranks since the age of just 12.
Now 18, Franca has featured 30 times for Flamengo’s first team, bagging seven goals in the process.
A natural number 10, Franca is considered to be one of Brazil’s next big talents.
Franca’s last Flamengo contract included a €100million (£88million) release clause but any deal will be nowhere near that price.
Hailed as a ‘great finisher’ in front of goal, Franca has enormous potential and could bring something different to this Newcastle side in terms of being a link between midfield and attack.
Add in that Newcastle already have a couple of Brazilian stars in Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, and this move should appeal to Franca.
90min claim that Franca does indeed want his move to Newcastle in this transfer window, but the clock is ticking.
Flamengo don’t want to sell but if Newcastle can go a little higher – maybe match that Brazilian release clause – then a deal could materialise.
It’s now over to Dan Ashworth, who faces a busy few hours as Newcastle look to pull off a hugely exciting transfer.
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