Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Thursday, September 8.
Maddison revival
The Northern Echo claim James Maddison is Eddie Howe’s number one target in January. ChronicleLive understands two bids were rejected for the Leicester City midfielder in the summer.
As it stands, the Foxes are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and without a win all season. A lack of investment frustrated Brendan Rodgers - who has grown increasingly outspoken in recent weeks.
The manager hinted at possible high-profile departures to free up cash for potential incomings. Wesley Fofana ultimately joined Chelsea but Maddison and Youri Tielemans were also rumoured to be on the move.
Now, fresh reports have emerged suggesting another approach for Maddison is on the cards. In January, the England international will have just 18 months left on his contract.
‘Brazilian Busquets’ linked
Newcastle have reportedly enquired about signing Vasco da Gama midfielder, Andrey Santos, according to Globo Esporte. The article claims the Magpies are prepared to bid £30million for the 18-year-old, who plays as a holding midfielder.
Santos earned five caps for Brazil U16s and enjoyed a breakout season last year. However, Vasco play in the Brazilian second division so he is yet to feature in the top tier.
Barcelona, AC Milan and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also linked with Santos just one week after the summer transfer window slammed shut. In terms of playing style, Santos has been dubbed the “Brazilian Busquets’ for his neat and tidy play in front of the back four.
One for the future, perhaps?
Palmer’s Pedro ‘confidence’
Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer was “confident” his old club would retain Joao Pedro. Newcastle were favourites to sign the Brazilian up until the final few days of the window when a record-breaking move for Alexander Isak materialised.
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted that a £30million was “done” but the youngster stayed at Watford. Now, Palmer - who had a brief loan stint at the Hornets - has insisted he never believed Pedro was going anywhere.
“Watford, they want to make an immediate return to the Premier League,” he said. “Of course, you’re going to lose some players, that’s self-evident. You know, players who want to play in the Premier League, big clubs come knocking and offer big money, that’s going to happen.
“I mean, the two players that we’re talking about, I think Newcastle and Crystal Palace bid 50 million for the two players. But I was confident that the two players would remain at the club.”
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