Newcastle United 'have got an eye on' Andrey Santos and could look to lure the Vasco da Gama star to St James' Park in January, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Although the Magpies have already completed the signing of Garang Kuol from Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners ahead of the winter window opening for business, it seems head coach Eddie Howe has set his sights on further reinforcements.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What's the latest news involving Santos?

According to 90min, Newcastle are in talks with Vasco da Gama over the signing of Santos and the Tyneside giants are confident of finalising a deal.

The report suggests the three-cap Brazil under-20 international has been on the Premier League side's radar for more than 12 months and lines of communication between the two clubs have been open since the summer.

It is understood that Newcastle lodged a bid worth £30million in September and are now facing competition from La Liga giants Barcelona for Santos' signature.

Manchester City and Juventus have reportedly joined the race for the 18-year-old as well and could test his Brazilian employers' resolve with a big-money offer.

Santos' Vasco da Gama contract is not due to expire until September 2027, having signed an extension earlier this year.

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What has Dean Jones said about Santos?

Jones understands that Newcastle are just one of several clubs taking an interest in Santos and discussions over his suitability are taking place behind the scenes at St James' Park.

The journalist believes the Magpies have the central midfielder firmly on their radar and a switch to Tyneside is a possibility.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think he is one that they're looking at. There are quite a few clubs doing that, though.

"It's the same old situation at Newcastle whereby they have various people with different ideas of the style and type of player that would fit in.

"But, yes, he is one of the names that I've been told they have got an eye on."

Would Santos be a good signing for Newcastle?

Former Brazil international Juninho Pernambucano has described Santos as a 'monster' who is a 'complete player', which is an encouraging sign as Newcastle look to intensify their pursuit.

The teenager has been a regular starter for Vasco da Gama this season and also shown that he is capable of contributing in the final third of the pitch by chalking up a number of vital goals.

Ahead of his current employers' clash with Criciuma on Saturday, Santos had averaged 3.1 tackles per game and boasted a pass accuracy of 78 per cent since the campaign got underway.

Howe, who is approaching a year in charge of Newcastle, would be pulling off a shrewd signing if he manages to win the race for the South American's services.

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