Newcastle join Chelsea in race for midfielder; price set at £21.7m

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For Newcastle United these days under the PIF ownership, it’s not all about the immediate term.

While, clearly, qualification for the Champions League just one full season into the new era has raised expectation levels, Newcastle are planning for their future all while trying to challenge right away.

Indeed, the club have signed young players with the aim that they will grow and develop under Eddie Howe.

Anthony Gordon, Harrison Ashby, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall all represent young talents and, while the likes of Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak are far more established, they are still in their early twenties.

Having also signed Yankuba Minteh and Garang Kuol recently too, strengthening the youth ranks is an obvious policy these days.

Now, a new name has emerged as a target.

Newcastle consider move for Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo

According to Brazilian outlet iG Esporte, Newcastle are keen on a move for young Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo.

The Brazilian club are believed to be holding out for around £26.1m as a total package, including an initial £21.7m up front. Chelsea are said to be in the race too but were put off by the initial demands, albeit they are being tipped to return to talks.

Nottingham Forest, Everton and Barcelona are also mooted as potential landing spots for the teenager.

Who is Gabriel Moscardo and what is his style of play?

The 17-year-old has played in all manner of central midfield positions, ranging from a more defensive role to an attacking one.

He made his first-team debut after emerging through his current club’s youth ranks earlier this year and has since gone on to make 14 appearances at senior level.

A profile piece by Football Talent Scout praised the teenager’s “fantastic ball-carrying ability”, his “high defensive IQ” and “satisfactory passing range”.

No one in the Corinthians squad this season has averaged as many tackles per game (2.3, via WhoScored), while he also ranks within the top four for dribbles completed over the same period (1.4).

Clearly, translating that across leagues and playing style is not easy but, for context, that would see the teenager rank first and fourth in the Newcastle squad for those metrics respectively.