Newcastle United are reportedly hoping to break their transfer record to beat Atletico Madrid to Russian World Cup star Fernandes.
Newcastle United are considering a club-record £26.5 million bid for Russian World Cup star Mario Fernandes as Rafa Benitez looks to reinforce his full-back ranks, according to the Daily Star.
The Magpies have looked weak in wide positions over the last few months with neither DeAndre Yedlin or Javi Manquillo doing enough to prove that they have the quality to nail down a regular place in Benitez’s starting XI.
As a result, reports have emerged suggesting Newcastle are willing to pay big for CSKA Moscow flyer Fernandes – despite the fact he will cost about £6 million more than the club invested in Miguel Almiron in January.
The 28-year-old, who earned one cap for Brazil before switching his allegiance to Russia and starring as they reached the quarter-finals of their own World Cup, was in typically swashbuckling form throughout 2018/19.
Fernandes produced nine assists in all competitions for CSKA.
And while Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are also interested, perhaps seeing Fernandes as a replacement for the veteran Juanfran, the Star adds that Newcastle believe a deal can be done.
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