Flamengo vice president Marcos Braz has issued Newcastle United with a 'hands off' warning after stating that Matheus Franca is not "up for sale" amid growing links over a move to St James' Park.
Eddie Howe's side have been hotly tipped to sign Franca this month but the Magpies face stiff competition from a number of Premier League clubs for his signature. It is thought that Arsenal are also interested the 18-year-old as they look to bolster their midfield for the second-half of the season.
With the two clubs already reportedly locking horns over a move for Ivan Fresneda, Howe will be hoping that he can convince the teenager that a move to Tyneside in his best interests. However, even if Newcastle do manage to out manoeuvre the Gunners, the difficulties do not stop there.
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It is understood that Flamengo are intent on playing hardball for their Brazilian wonderkid and that discussions over a £14million transfer fee have been laughed off, with the South American side demanding that number is doubled. Interest on the continent from the likes of Lyon and Real Madrid may also see the Copa Libertadores holders look to start a bidding war among Europe's elite.
And to pile on the misery for Newcastle, Braz has now given the clearest indication yet that a winter deal may prove impossible.
“We do not put Matheus Franca up for sale. He is not for sale,” Flamengo's vice president told Brazilian journalist Vene Casagrande (as per HITC). “We are not interested negotiating for Matheus Franca at this moment.”
With less than a week to go in the window, it appears that Howe's side will either to have pay over the odds for Franca or turn to alternative options.
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