Newcastle United and Liverpool handed boost in pursuit of £20million forward

Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of forward Gabriel Barbosa – who admits he would be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Newcastle United have been linked with striker Gabriel BarbosaNewcastle United have been linked with striker Gabriel Barbosa
Newcastle United have been linked with striker Gabriel Barbosa

Barbosa, who only joined current club Flamengo for £20million in January, is reportedly interesting Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Liverpool and a host of other top flight clubs ahead of the January window.

And they may well have been handed a boost in their respective pursuits, with Barbosa revealing his admiration of the Premier League.

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"I like the Premier League very much. It combines technique, strength and speed. I always follow the games from Brazil," he said, speaking to Mail Online.

"It really is a place I would like to play. It's one of the best leagues in the world.

"Every player dreams of being a champion and winning the Premier League must be indescribable."

Liverpool, though, seem to have the upper hand in the pursuit of the 23-year-old – who dreams of playing alongside his inspiration in Roberto Firmino.

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“He is a powerful forward and he has been great for Brazil,” added Barbosa.

“He is an inspiration that I look up to.

"It would be a pleasure to play with him. Maybe we could team up for Brazil in the future and Liverpool is a team that everyone wants to play for."

Meanwhile, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl expects Newcastle United to be a ‘very organised opponent’ as he prepares to bring his side to St James’s Park.

The Saints have won their last two Premier League outings, but come up against a Newcastle side high on confidence after their midweek triumph at Sheffield United.

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And Hasenhuttl has revealed what he expects Steve Bruce’s side to bring to the table in the North East.

"I expect a game with a very good organised opponent", he said, speaking at his pre-match press conference.

"They don’t have a lot of possession but they defend very well. They have a lot of counter attacks they are very strong. Not an easy team to play against.”