'Here we go' - £30m striker set for medical after Newcastle United 'imminent' bid claim
Premier League transfers: Newcastle United are set to miss out on Brazilian forward Rayan Vitor.
Rayan Vitor is reportedly set to join Premier League side AFC Bournemouth following from strong linkes with a move to Newcastle United.
The 19-year-old forward scored 20 goals for Vasco de Gama in 2025 and has been scouted by several European clubs.
Newcastle have been heavily linked with a move for the teenager. ESPN Brazil claimed Newcastle’s interest in Rayan has cooled due to the player’s £70million release clause, while other reports suggested a bid was imminent.
On Tuesday, Leading Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte have claimed that Vasco de Gama believes Newcastle could submit a bid for Rayan ‘today’ and the forward would not face Flamengo on Thursday should that bid arrive.
Reports have since emerged stating that Rayan would not be involved in the Vasco squad to face Flamengo, but Newcastle are not the reason why.
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Eddie Howe shuts down Rayan Vitor link
While scouting Brazil and South America is a recruitment strategy new sporting director Ross Wilson is keen to explore further, head coach Eddie Howe has poured cold water on Newcastle’s chances of signing Rayan this month.
On Sunday, Howe said Newcastle don’t have the ‘financial ability’ to make any attacking additions this month, and ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, the Newcastle head coach directly shut down the Rayan link.
When asked about a potential bid for the Brazilian teenager, Howe responded: “There's no truth in that.”
Newcastle have less than two weeks to make any additions to their squad in the winter transfer window. While attacking signings have been ruled out, there remains a possibility of a defensive addition following Fabian Schar’s long-term injury.
The Swiss defender is set to miss the next three months following surgery on his ankle while Tino Livramento is also ruled out until around March with a hamstring injury.
And Rayan, who was available to leave Vasco for £30million this month, will not be heading to the North East.
Fabrizio Romano drops huge Rayan Vitor transfer update
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bournemouth have agreed a deal in principle to sign Rayan for €35million (approx £30million).
Taking to social media, Romano posted the update: “Rayan to Bournemouth, here we go! Deal verbally agreed in principle for Brazilian winger to join #AFCB from Vasco. €35m package verbally agreed with documents being checked and exchanged today.
“Bournemouth, scheduling Rayan’s medical later this week if all goes to plan.”