Newcastle United are reportedly looking to sign Flamengo striker Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa in the January transfer window.
The struggling Magpies are in the hunt for attacking reinforcement this January and were in talks to sign Benfica’s Darwin Nunez. But according to a report in the Mirror, the Portuguese club does not want to sell their star forward this window. As a result, Newcastle are now turning their attention to Brazilian striker Barbosa.
According to the report, Brazilian club Flamengo would be open to a six-month loan, which would include a £17million option to buy should Newcastle avoid relegation.
However, the former Inter Milan player is not yet convinced over a move to the northeast of England and is reportedly more persuaded of staying put in his homeland of Brazil. The 25-year-old, whose contract with Flamengo runs till 2024, has scored 14 goals this season while recording five assists and has featured 17 times for his country.
Eddie Howe desperately needs attackers after learning that he could be without key man Callum Wilson for several months. Wilson suffered a torn calf muscle in Monday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United and could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Star winger Allan Saint-Maximin is also reportedly facing a spell on the sideline due to a calf injury, while Ryan Fraser has a hamstring problem.
Newcastle United have the money to fund big deals but have because of their precarious position in the league table, are finding it difficult to convince players to get involved in their relegation fight.
