Newcastle United are showing a real interest in snapping up Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia this summer.
Sao Paulo ace Pablo Maia is again being linked with a move to England, this time to Newcastle United.
That is according to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, as quoted by South American site Bolavip.
Nicola claims that Maia’s agent has told him that one Newcastle scout is taking a keen interest in Maia.
It’s suggested that Newcastle are studying Maia very closely from his performance to the distance he covers and his behaviour.
“What Junior (Pedroso, the player’s manager) told me is that Pablo Maia has been the target of a Newcastle scout,” said Nicola. “When the English team is looking for a player, the scout starts to observe, even if from a distance, numbers, behaviour, performance, before making the decision to buy it or not,” he added.
Newcastle already have a couple of impressive Brazilian midfielders with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton shining under Eddie Howe.
The Magpies may now move to add another Brazilian talent to Howe’s midfield ranks with Maia thought to be a prime target.
Newcastle United the latest English club to fancy Pablo Maia
Sao Paulo talent Maia is no stranger to the Premier League rumour mill.
90Min reported in December that Tottenham were watching developments with Maia very closely.
That same report suggested that West Ham United wanted to sign Maia during the January transfer window.
West Ham wanted to take Maia on loan with an option to buy but Sao Paulo had no interest in such a deal.
The Hammers did end up signing Maia’s Sao Paulo teammate Luizao in January but he is yet to make his Premier League debut.
Fulham were interested in Maia too with three London clubs vying for his signature.
Now it’s Newcastle in the race to sign Maia, who recently signed a new deal to commit himself to Sao Paulo until 2027.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 21-year-old has turned out 84 times for Sao Paulo’s first team, notching five goals and one assist.
Newcastle would no doubt love to add a pure holding midfielder to allow Bruno to go forward more, and Maia could be that man.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
