Newcastle United would bring in Flamengo 'emerging talent' Matheus Franca as a 'project signing' rather than immediately installing him as a key first-team player, transfer insider Dean Jones has informed GIVEMESPORT.

Eddie Howe is in the market for more attacking reinforcements, with the 18-year-old becoming a target following some excellent performances in the Brazilian Serie A.

Newcastle Transfer News - Matheus Franca

Earlier in the window, 90Min reported that Newcastle were 'continuing talks' with Flamengo attacker Franca to try and reach an agreement for his signature.

The departure of Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest has opened up a space for another forward-thinking player to come in at St James's Park; nevertheless, it is believed that there is a difference in valuation between the two clubs.

The Magpies launched a £14 million bid to tempt France to Tyneside; however, his current employers Flamengo are more likely to entertain a bid of £18 million.

Newcastle are not alone in their interest in the Rio Di Janeiro-born ace, with Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon also keeping tabs on his situation this month.

What has Dean Jones said about Matheus Franca?

Transfer insider Jones thinks that Franca would be brought in as a developmental signing rather than immediately being thrust into the spotlight of first-team football.

Jones told GMS: "In terms of Franca, I don't really see that as one to impact on this season. I think it's more a project signing, they've always got an eye out for emerging talent and I think he is probably more in line with that."

Could Matheus Franca make an impact in the Premier League?

All things considered, Franca has made waves in his native Brazil since becoming a breakthrough star in 2021/22 at Flamengo, where he recorded eight goals and three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The 18-year-old is also an adaptable presence, having been utilised on both flanks, as an attacking midfielder and even as a centre-forward when called upon for Flamengo.

Newcastle could do with another striker to aid Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak in their quest to reach the top four. Despite this, Franca would need time to acclimatise to the rigours of English top-flight football and shouldn't have too much pressure foisted on his shoulders at once, given his young age.

With rumours over the possibility of the Toon being keen on Everton forward Anthony Gordon gathering pace, it may well be that the 21-year-old is a more likely candidate to chip in immediately at the top end of the field if a deal does materialise to take him to the North East.