Report: Newcastle now interested in 22-year-old ‘sharpshooter’, they’re set to scout him this week

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Newcastle United are interested in signing SC Braga striker Vitinha, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

As per the report, the Magpies join Brentford, Southampton and Stuttgart as clubs who are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.

All interested parties are said to have monitored the attacker in both the Portuguese league and Europa League this season.

They are also expected to be in attendance when Vitinha lines out for Portugal’s U21’s side, when they play friendlies against Czech Republic and Japan later this week and early next week.

Although O Joga report the forward’s departure in January is ‘unlikely’, the youngster reportedly has a £26.2m release clause in his contract. Therefore, a potential move could spring to fruition as soon as a club sees fit.

Newcastle now eyeing Vitinha

In 20 matches this season, Vitinha has really shone with nine goals and five assists. More impressively, four of these goals have come in five Europa League appearances.

The 22-year-old has been able to dominate with his electric pace and with his overwhelming power, making him a perfect fit for the Magpies in English football.

According to journalist Zach Lowy, the striker has become ‘an even deadlier sharpshooter’ for Braga this season, imploring the Portugal national team to call him up to the senior squad next year.

Having bagged three goals in four appearances for the U21’s, Vitinha could be an excellent bench option for Portugal going forward.

If the youngster does end up getting a Newcastle move, his stature in the game will only increase.

With Eddie Howe’s side hoping for Champions League qualification this season, the 22-year-old would be exposed to the highest level of domestic and continental competition, if he chooses to arrive on Tyneside.

With all the right attributes needed to succeed in the English game, this could be a brilliant long-term signing for the Toon.

Therefore, the north-east club will be sure to keep their eyes on the youngster over the coming months.