Newcastle United have Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos on their transfer "wish list", according to journalist Keith Downie.

The club's owners, PIF, have considerably strengthened the squad since their takeover of the club in October 2021, and they are now looking to sign a promising young talent, as they aim to solidify the team's long-term future.

What is the latest news involving Santos?

Newcastle are believed to have had an interest in Santos for some time, with 90min reporting back in October that they were in talks with the Vasco da Gama man, who is valued at around £20m by his current club.

According to Brazilian outlet Super Vasco, the Magpies are not the only club interested in the 18-year-old star, with Barcelona also said to be considering a move for the 'most valued player' in the Vasco da Gama squad.

Another European giant has also seemingly entered the fray, as Le 10 Sport claim that Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign the "worthy successor to Bruno Guimaraes", also detailing that the chances Santos leaves in the January transfer window are "significant".

What has Downie said about Santos?

Downie indicates that Newcastle are plotting moves for plenty of talented youngsters, and that Santos remains one of those targets, telling GIVEMESPORT: "I think he's one of a number of younger players they're looking to bring in, to try and get around the FFP rules.

"We saw them bring in the guy from Australia, Garang Kuol, 18 years old, and I think this is another player on that kind of wish list."

Would Santos be a good signing for Newcastle?

A talented holding midfielder, Santos has proven his worth to Vasco da Gama with a string of impressive performances this season, holding his own in the team despite his tender years.

In the Brazilian Serie B, the starlet has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13 during this campaign, the fourth-highest figure of any player in the squad, gaining some valuable first-team experience in men's football in the process.

Brazil footballing icon Juninho has hailed the emerging talent as a "monster", and he fully merits this description based on recent performances, displaying his passing range against Sampaio Correa at the end of October by picking out his teammates 49 times, the highest amount managed by any player.

While he normally features in a deeper role, the midfielder's attacking contributions have also been fruitful in the 2022 season, netting eight times in 33 outings, showing that he also possesses a keen eye for goal.

Given the interest from some of Europe's top sides, the transfer may be hard to conclude, but if a deal is possible, Eddie Howe should without doubt make a move for Santos.