Newcastle United's head of recruitment Steve Nickson has spent time in Brazil this month as the Magpies increase their network in South America.
Nickson was integral for the signing of Bruno Guimaraes when he flew to Brazil to seal the deal in January 2022, working closely with agency Bertolucci Sports to clinch the deal from French club Lyon. He returned to watch Santos teenager Angelo Gabriel last summer but no transfer was concluded, despite the 18-year-old being keen on a move to England.
Gabriel stayed in Brazil with Santos and has played 15 times for his club without scoring and providing one assist. Gabriel played 63 minutes of Santos' 0-0 draw with Audax Italiano in the Copa Sudamericana yesterday.