Newcastle United have made an approach to sign young Brazilian midfielder Matheus Franca, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The journalist claims the Magpies are stepping up their approach for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder.
Romano claims Eddie Howe's side have made an €16million offer for the Flamengo midfielder, who has attracted the attention of Real Madrid. Bruno Guimaraes' former club, Olympique Lyon, are looking to repeat the unearthing of the Magpies midfielder.
Franca is said to be on the wishlist of the Ligue 1 side, while Madrid have sent scouts to Brazil to watch the midfielder. At 6ft, the Brazilian has played the majority of his games as a number 10.
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However, he can play on the left-flank and as a striker. Franca burst onto the scene in the Brazilian Serie A, clocking up 17 appearances in the top flight of Brazil, scoring four goals.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Franca joined Flamengo at the age of 12 and has come through the ranks up to the first-team. The versatile midfielder has been considered one of the best prospects to come through the academy, alongside Lázaro, one of the club's greatest young players after Vinícius Júnior.
He made his debut in December 2021 in a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match against Santos replacing Éverton Ribeiro in the 78th minute. A regular at youth level, Franca penned a long-term deal to stay with Flamengo until April 2027
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