Toon plan to sign South American star this summer after latest bid fell €5m short - Report

Despite multiple failed bids in January, Flamengo star Matheus Franca could still arrive on Tyneside in the summer with talks between the two clubs continuing, according to reports in Brazil.

Globo Esporte report that we had numerous bids rejected for the 18-year-old last month, claiming that our final offer - believed to be around €20m - fell €5m short of the Serie A side's asking price.

Flamengo were in 'no hurry to sell' after fellow midfielder Joao Gomez left for Wolves, however, with discussions between the two clubs set to continue, a move in the summer could be on the cards.

Coluna do Fla - another Brazilian outlet - also report that we will go back in for the teenager this summer, describing him as a 'dream' signing who is also on Bayer Leverkusen's radar.

Franca is just the latest South American talent we have been linked with over the past 12 months, with former Vasco da Gama star Andrey Santos pursued prior to his £18m move to Chelsea.

With hopefully more money from new sponsorships and commercial deals in the summer, there will be more room to negotiate a deal for the 18-year-old and capture yet another young star.