‘Combative’ £10m player who argued with his own teammate now offered to Newcastle

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A new midfielder may have to be on the agenda for Newcastle United this summer.

With signings expected to arrive ahead of next season despite a frustrating time of things on the FFP front in January, Newcastle may have to strengthen their engine room.

Indeed, while the club moved to do exactly that last summer by signing Sandro Tonali, the Italian is not able to play until into next season as a result of his ban. After so long out of action, it remains to be seen how Tonali returns.

Bruno Guimaraes, meanwhile, has been frequently touted for an exit, along with teammate and fellow Brazilian international Joelinton.

Even if neither leave, the lack of a traditional defensive midfielder in Eddie Howe’s squad has been noted this season.

Though there is a long time to go before the window opens, the club have reportedly been offered a new player on that front.

Newcastle transfer news: Vinicius Souza latest

According to The Chronicle, the club have been offered Sheffield United’s Vinicius Souza. The 24-year-old moved to Bramall Lane from Belgian side Lommel for a reported £10m back in August and has since made 25 appearances in the Premier League, scoring one goal.

Interestingly, the report adds that the Brazilian shares an agent with Guimaraes and that group have good links with Newcastle’s head of recruitment, Steve Nickson.

Vinicius Souza: Who is midfielder linked with Newcastle?

A defensive midfielder by trade, former Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom hailed Souza’s style of play as “combative” enough to succeed in the Premier League upon his arrival in England.

During his time in Brazil with Flamengo, former manager Jorge Jesus even compared him to former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder, Nemanja Matic.

Souza hit headlines more recently too. During Sheffield United’s loss to Wolves last month, he and teammate Jack Robinson were involved in something on an on-field argument.