Fabrizio Romano issues update on Newcastle United's Brazilian target Souza 24 hours after interest was reported
On Tuesday, Newcastle United were linked with an interest in 19-year-old Brazilian left-back Souza, who currently plays in Brazil for Santos.
A report from Brazil had suggested that Newcastle were ready to step in to gazump Tottenham Hotspur, who had previously had a £9 million bid rejected by Santos.
It was believed that the Brazilian club were asking for a fee closer to £17 million for the talented defender.
Whether Newcastle were prepared to go that high was something we questioned.
Spurs are closing in on reported Newcastle target Souza
This afternoon, however, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Tottenham have gone back in with a fresh bid for the starlet and have gone as far as agreeing personal terms.
It seems the two clubs are still some way apart from making a deal, though, so if Newcastle do have a genuine interest, they could do with making a move quickly.
Having said that, we don't believe there was any genuine interest from our end; it was likely Souza's agent putting something out there to force Spurs' hand.
Newcastle aren't expected to do much business in the transfer market this month
A left-back is a potential area Newcastle could be looking to add to this month, but there are still those who believe Newcastle will resist the urge to dip into the market in January.
Even after Fabian Schar's injury last night in the game against Leeds, it's believed that the Magpies will not panic and bring someone in to fix a short-term problem, especially with Sven Botman back from injury and Dan Burn on the road to recovery.
It also seems that Eddie Howe has no qualms about asking Lewis Miley to step in at centre-back after the 19-year-old was used in that position last night. Howe confirmed after the game that Miley has played there several times in training and is more than capable.
