Roma failed to bring on Santos starlet Marcos Leonardo over the summer, with the winter window giving the Giallorossi the chance to finalize his signature once and for all. Although Roma are confident of sealing Leonardo’s move, the emergence of Premier League giants Newcastle United in the transfer race is set to shake things up.
As per reports from Brazilian outlet UOL (via PL Brasil), the Magpies have been ardently following Leonardo for about two years now and are willing to beat Roma in the race for the youngster. Although conversation with the Brazil giants are still in the nascent stages, Newcastle are confident enough to beat Roma.
Santos' Marcos Leonardo scored a goal so good it should be criminal it was ruled offside 🫢
(via @geglobo) pic.twitter.com/VAyO3d4tWJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 27, 2023
With Sandro Tonali now out for ten months, Eddie Howe is eager to ramp up the quality of his side as they bid to contend for a top-four Premier League finish. The former Bournemouth manager wants to adds Leonardo to his squad in January, the same time Roma are expected to make a final push.
Reportedly, even Manchester United and Lazio are keeping close tabs on proceedings. No formal proposals or bids have been lodged for the 20-year-old striker yet, with his transfer fees set to be in the range of €20-25M for any interested suitor.
Considered one of Brazilian football’s hottest prospects, Leonardo is contracted with Santos until December 2026, and is expected to depart the club by the end of the 2023/24 European season.
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