Newcastle United will ‘push again’ for Brazilian raid as Toon monitor Leeds United star ‘very closely’

Newcastle United put in a spirited display against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Tuesday night to reiterate their credentials as Champions League qualification contenders. The Magpies recorded a 0-0 draw in North London, and remain third in the table, nine points adrift of the Gunners.

Next up for Eddie Howe’s men is an FA Cup clash against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday evening, but before then, there is still plenty of transfer speculation to work through. Check out the latest Toon-related rumours below...

Newcastle keen on Franca

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Newcastle United will ‘push again’ to try and sign Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca in the coming days. According to ge.globo, the Magpies have already opened negotiations for the attacker, who is understood to have a release clause of around £87 million written into his contract.

Writing in a column for Caught Offside, the renowned journalist said: “It’s sure to be a busy January, and one potential transfer I’d keep an eye on is one of my favourite talents: Matheus Franca. He’s doing great at Flamengo and Newcastle are interested in signing him, but there’s still no full agreement. Newcastle will push again in the next days, while Bayer Leverkusen have also been tracking him for a long time.”

Toon eye Meslier

Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, according to an update from French outlet RMC Sport. The 22-year-old has impressed since making the step up to the Premier League with the Whites, and is said to be attracting interest from several sources.

While the Magpies are said to be monitoring him ‘very closely’, Premier League rivals Chelsea are also understood to be watching his progress with great interest. From further afield, Bayern Munich are also being touted as potential suitors, with the German giants keen to find a replacement for talismanic stopper Manuel Neuer.