Newcastle United are believed to be in the mix for Athletico Paranaense sensation Vitor Roque, albeit with the Magpies facing stern competition in their attempts to sign the teenage forward.

What’s the latest on Roque to Newcastle?

According to journalist Jack Gallagher, the Tynesiders are said to be one of a handful of Premier League clubs who are tracking the 17-year-old starlet, although La Liga giants Barcelona are currently the frontrunners in that hotly contested pursuit.

Writing on Twitter regarding that developing story, the reporter stated:

“Understand that Barcelona are leading the race to sign FM23 legend Vitor Roque. Man Utd, Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle are all also interested in the forward.”

In an attached piece for 90min, the youngster’s current side have seemingly acknowledged that the youngster’s departure may well be inevitable such is the level of interest, albeit with any potential agreement still “a long way off”.

This follows claims made by GOAL back in January that suggested the St James’ Park outfit were one of the clubs to have enquired about the player’s availability, while also revealing that the centre-forward has a release clause of around €60m (£53m) in his current contract.

Is Vitor Roque set for a big future?

Should Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth manage to pull off the deal – having previously outlined his desire to invest in “exciting young players for the future” – it could well represent a major coup for the club, such is Roque’s “crazy potential“, according to talent scout Jack Kulig.

The 5 foot 8 “diamond” – as also lauded by Kulig – only recently played a key role in helping his country to glory in the U-20 South American Championship, having scored six goals and provided one assist in the competition.

That prolific form ensured that the explosive talent was able to land a first triumph in the competition for Brazil since 2011, with the hope being that he will follow in the footsteps of the likes Neymar and Casemiro who were part of that previous success over a decade ago.

The expectation is that Roque will be able to blossom in the years to come, with it looking as if he has a “huge future ahead“, in the words of Kulig, having already scored 14 goals and laid on four assists in 52 games at senior level to date, across his time with both Paranaense and former club, Cruzeiro.

Lauded as a potential heir to legendary compatriot, Ronaldo, the Timoteo native would seemingly be a star of the future for Eddie Howe’s side, helping to provide further quality to a forward line that is currently struggling to fire, having scored just three goals in their last six top-flight games.

The highly-coveted wonderkid would also likely be an attractive option for the former AFC Bournemouth boss due to his willing work ethic, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% for interceptions made among his peers in the ‘Men’s next eight competitions’, as well as the top 13% for tackles made.

While trying to outmuscle those at Camp Nou in the battle for Roque’s services will be no small task, the aforementioned Ashworth must do all he can to get a deal over the line.

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