Lionel Messi has hailed fellow World Cup winner and Newcastle United linked Enzo Fernandez. The PSG playmaker, who secured his place as one of, if not the greatest player of all time with a World Cup to his name, says he's not surprised by the spectacular 21-year-old.
Fernandez is now on the hit-list of a number of top European sides with Real Madrid and Liverpool also keen on his services. His impressive display at the World Cup will only inflate the asking price for the Benfica midfielder.
"I’m not surprised by Enzo. I know him and I see him train every day," Messi said. "He deserves it because he’s a spectacular player."
Messi isn't alone with his admiration for the Benfica midfielder, with Alan Shearer also a big fan. The Magpies legend joked and asked if Fernandez was available for the Magpies Tuesday night clash with Bournemouth, however, Howe told reporters: "I apologise to Alan, I think I was on the other channel. I'm aware of and I know him, but I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.
"From a recruitment perspective, I don't think you ever just analyse the World Cup and sign a player off the back of those performances. There's a huge body of work that goes into signing a player, so it's never off four weeks.
"There will be a period of work that goes into that. That's not to say we won't use the World Cup as a recruitment tool to look at those players, but just solely on those games? No, we wouldn't do that."
READ NEXT
Trippier shouts at Newcastle players, Howe's top Lejeune moment and stadium advantage - 5 things
Gary Neville welcomes 'step forward' after Newcastle owners made 'top job' move that he liked
Warrior admits it was a 'shame' Eddie Howe couldn't save Newcastle career after Bruce's 'vision'
Eddie Howe admired 'top player' once worth €100m but Newcastle may have had a lucky escape
Newcastle are about to see the real version of 'fantastic talent' after 'new plans for the club'
