Newcastle continue talks with Flamengo over Brazilian teenager

Newcastle United are set to continue talks with Flamengo over the signing of teenage midfielder Matheus Franca, 90min understands.

Franca is the latest South American midfielder that the high-flying Magpies have shown an interest in, having missed out to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively over Brazilian starlet Andrey Santos and Argentine wonderkid Maximo Perrone in recent weeks.

Manager Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his squad with players for the future - evidenced by the recent signing of Australian teenage forward Garang Kuol - and Newcastle are pushing on with their bid to sign 18-year-old Franca.

90min understands that Newcastle spoke to Flamengo over the Christmas period, but talks were put on hold while the Brazilian giants concluded their search for a new head coach - something they have now done after appointing former Porto boss Vitor Pereira.

Talks are set to continue between the two parties, and sources have told 90min that although a deal has not yet been agreed, Newcastle are growing in confidence that there will be a positive outcome.

Bayer Leverkusen have already failed with a bid to sign Franca, after seeing a £12m offer rejected last month, though the player is thought to be keen on moving to Europe.

Newcastle's quest to sign Franca may also be aided by the return to Flamengo of Brazil midfielder Gerson. The 25-year-old spent two years with the club before joining Marseille in 2021, but has returned to South America in a deal worth €20m after seeing his game time marginalised by Igor Tudor.