Flamengo may be unable to hold onto Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca if Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United offer to pay more than £12 million, reporter Renato Mauricio Prado explains via Torcedores.
With the present going rather swimmingly, focus at St James’ Park is turning to the future. Up-and-coming talent appears to be the order of the day at Newcastle.
The Magpies have reportedly submitted a £16 million bid for Boca Juniors midfielder Alan Varela, are closing in on a deal for Real Valladolid’s Spain U19 international Ivan Fresneda, and have also opened talks to sign 18-year-old Matheus Franca from the Copa Libertadores holders (Globo Esporte).
Franca is the latest bright young thing emerging in one of the world most prosperous and passionate footballing nations, marking his breakthrough season with four goals in 17 Brazilian Serie A appearances.
“Franca is an attacking midfielder and there is a real talent there,” South American expert Tim Vickery told Sky Sports. “He’s strong on the ball and he’s got a lovely dip of the shoulder.”
“It’s hard for Matheus Franca to get a game when (Flamengo are) at full strength. So, I think Flamengo would be open to selling him. But they want money.”
Newcastle lead Man City and Crystal Palace in race for Flamengo’s Matheus Franca
Exactly how much money is, at this stage, open to debate. Prado believes an offer of around £12 million may be difficult for Flamengo to turn down. Particularly after the seven-time Serie A champions splashed out an eight-figure fee to make Gerson their second-most expensive ever acquisition.
“If Newcastle pays more than 14 million euros, there is no way to hold (Franca) back,” Prado insists. “Unfortunately, there’s no way to keep him.”
FIFA regulations forbid Brazilian players from moving abroad until they turn 18. With his 19th birthday now just two months away, there is nothing to stop Newcastle from signing Franca – who is also on the radar of Crystal Palace and Manchester City – before immediately adding him to Eddie Howe’s squad.
“I deal (with pressure) in the best possible way. I get inspired by it,” Franca, the latest exciting homegrown talent to rise through the ranks at the Maracana, tells Globo Esporte.
“Vinicius Jr, Reinier (Jesus), (Lucas) Paqueta are players who have passed through Flamengo. I hope to be the next one. And I hope that whoever comes after will be inspired by me too.
“I’ve always had this versatility. I’ve always played in different positions. I think this is the result of my hard work and performance. In addition, (my desire) to the help of the entire squad.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
