Ashworth is continuing “talks” with Newcastle to sign a £18 million dynamo, just imagine him and Isak – opinion

Newcastle United’s efforts to bring Matheus Franca to St. James’ Park during the January transfer window have been updated.

According to 90min reporter Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are still in “talks” with the Flamengo attacking midfielder as the month comes to a close.

According to the journalist’s accompanying article, Bayer Leverkusen’s £10 million bid for the gem was rejected, and Newcastle has offered £14 million as Dan Ashworth looks to sign the talented dynamo.

Flamengo is said to want around £18 million for Franca, but it remains to be seen whether the latest talks between the Magpies and the Brazilian outfit will result in the English side meeting their demands.

Imagine him and Alexander Isak Ashworth swooping to sign Franca for £18m this month to secure the future of Eddie Howe’s attack at St. James’ Park, as the 18-year-old is a player with the potential to be a long-term asset to the club.

The Magpies’ manager already made a significant investment in the club’s future during the previous transfer window, when he paid a club-record fee for Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak.

At the age of 23, the Sweden international has made an immediate impact in the Premier League but also has the potential to be an important member of Howe’s team for many, many years.

Isak has three goals and three starts in four top-flight appearances since moving to Tyneside, demonstrating that he has already adapted to playing English football.

The striker could be the club’s go-to number nine in the long term and Franca could join him in forming part of Newcastle’s attacking set-up now and in the future.

In 2022, the Flamengo gem made 17 appearances in the Brazilian top flight and averaged an impressive Sofascore rating of 6.92 – chipping in with four goals from an attacking midfield position.

At the age of 18, the dynamo has already racked up seven goals in 28 first-team appearances for his side and has been called up by Brazil at three different age groups, which shows that his country sees potential in his performances.

Therefore, Franca could be a future, and current, star for Newcastle if he is able to adapt to English football in the way that Isak has been able to and the pair could make for an exciting pairing for Howe in the years to come.