Newcastle ready to beat Real Madrid to signing of cut-price Brazilian wonderkid dubbed 'the new Neymar'

Newcastle are reportedly plotting a January move to sign Brazil wonderkid Marcos Leonardo - a forward who has been compared to a young Neymar.

Eddie Howe's side are currently in the midst of an injury crisis, who are currently without 11 first team players.

They include strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, while wingers Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron are also out of action.

While many of those are expected to return by January, their latest run of poor form suggests that the Magpies need to strengthen their squad - and they have reportedly identified Marcos Leonardo as an option.

The 20-year-old has scored 13 goals in 27 Brazilian Serie A appearances for Santos this season, matching his tally from the previous campaign.

He has emerged on the radar of Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants having followed a transfer policy in recent times of signing young attacking players from Brazil.

Should Marcos Leonardo choose the Bernabeu, he would join up with compatriots Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Endrick, who have all made the move to Spain from their home country.

The striker, who netted five goals in five games at the U20 World Cup earlier this year - and is reportedly available at a bargain price.

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who wrote in his CaughtOffside column that the Brazilian will leave Santos in January at an asking price of £17.5 million plus add-ons.

And the Daily Mirror claim that Newcastle 'admire' the striker and are looking to swoop at the chance to sign him in January.

It is added, however, that West Ham and Roma are among the other clubs keen on signing the 20-year-old, while Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have been linked with the player in the past.

Should the Magpies get a deal done, however, it could be the perfect tonic for Howe's side as they look to maintain their spot in the Champions League for next season with a strong run of form in the second part of the campaign.

Topics: Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Eddie Howe, Transfers, Premier League, Santos

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.