Newcastle face €200m price tag for Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca

Jacque Talbot

• 24 Feb 2023 17:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Flamengo have reached an agreement to extend Matheus Franca’s contract - meaning Newcastle may have to spend a bit more if they wish to bring him to St Jame’s Park.

The midfielder was subject to a £17.65m bid by the Magpies in the winter window, but it was rejected.

Fabrizio Romano now reports that Flamengo have stuck on a £176m release clause onto the player’s contract and have extended it to 2027.

Despite the club’s ‘failed approach in January, the Italian reporter stated that Newcastle still had their eye on the player.

Matheus França has extended his contract with Flamengo until December 2027! ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/pXCtah70iv

— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) February 24, 2023

He said: “They will keep an eye until the end on Matheus Franca, this big talent from Flamengo, – very good player, very good talent.

“They offered €20m in a package deal, so including some add-ons – I’m told it was €16m plus €4m but Flamengo said no, they want €25m.

“Let’s see if Newcastle will return with a new bid. But Matheus Franca is a player they want, they’re following and they’re always very good with young talents.”

Howe believes in Karuis

It comes after Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has backed Loris Karius to perform if he is selected for the Carabao Cup final.

Nick Pope received a straight red card after handling the ball outside his box during the club’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool and consequently, he will not be able to play in the League Cup final on Sunday.

But Howe has piled on the praise for Karius.

"I've never really discussed [the 2018 final] at any length with him," he told Sky Sports. "We've all got stuff that's happened in our careers and our histories that you learn from and he's no different in that respect.

"Since day one, since he's come here, he started where he hadn't had a lot of work before joining us, he's trained with our goalkeeper coaches in a really good way and I think his general performances in training have improved as he's spent more time with us.

"I think he's in a good place and he's ready to play."