Newcastle United are looking to bring an ‘exceptional’ talent to the Premier League with Corinthians youngster Pedrinho a reported £20 million target for Eddie Howe’s side.
With Brexit making it more difficult than ever to bring in exciting young prospects from across the Channel, Premier League clubs are casting their net a little wider these days.
Pedrinho is just one of a handful of Brazilian starlets with admirers on UK soil; Goal reporting that Newcastle and Brighton are joining Ajax and Borussia Dortmund in the race for the 17-year-old’s signature.
Despite his tender age, Corinthians already value Pedrinho at around £20 million.
And the glowing praise bestowed upon him by long-serving goalkeeper Cassio Ramos may explain why the teenager is protected by such a lofty price-tag.
Newcastle keen on Corinthians and Brazilian starlet Pedrinho
“For me, Pedrinho has everything to be the best (young) player since I’ve been here,” Cassio, who joined Corinthians a decade ago, tells Globo Esporte.
“Exceptional. (He is) trains a lot. The best boy I’ve seen. I hope it stays that way.
“We have a lot of confidence (in the young players). Let’s just support them. High-quality boys. We have to help them. When needed, they will come in and help the team.”
Recently called up to represent Brazil at U20 level; Pedrinho has only made one first-team league appearance for Corinthians thus far.
Head coach Fernando Lazaro is confident that a teenager likened to a young Lionel Messi is on the verge of a breakthrough, however, with the new Serie A season looming on the horizon
“Pedrinho’s emergence with more time is natural,” Lazaro explains, via BolaVip.
“He’s been with us for 15 days, summoned (to the senior squad) for the first time. He has been showing in training and ended up with a good shot (of making his debut).
“Understanding what stage he is at is important. I know there is a rush (to bring Pedrinho into the side), but we have to work calmly.”
Newcastle are eyeing fellow youngsters Ivan Fresneda, Giovanni and Vitor Roque heading into the summer. The latter is in talks with Barcelona. But the La Liga leaders’ uncertain financial situation poses a problem for his hopes of a switch to Catalonia.
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