Premier League side Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a summer move for Galatasaray’s Brazilian centre-back Marcao.
As per reports in Turkish outlet Fanatik, Newcastle United’s agents were in attendance when Galatasaray took on Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League to keep an eye out on the performance of defender Marcao. The 25-year-old even scored in the encounter, but the Catalan giants eventually ran out 2-1 winners.
Newcastle United are planning for a summer overhaul under their new owners and have identified the defender as a potential signing.
Marcao first moved to Europe in 2017, joining Portuguese club Rio Ave FC on a year-long loan. He made 25 appearances for them, before returning to his parent club Athletico Paranaense. But he immediately returned to Portugal on a permanent deal with GD Chaves for the 2018/19 season.
Six months into his second season in Portugal, Marcao joined Galatasaray in a deal worth €4 million and has been with them ever since. He has made 134 appearances for the Turkish giants so far and will have two years remaining on his contract after the ongoing season.
With significant improvement in his performances recently, Marcao has been linked with a few European clubs, including Newcastle. The Magpies are planning for a huge summer window now that safety in the Premier League looks almost assured. Despite having signed Dan Burn in January, the centre-back department is seen as an area that could be further improved.
The Magpies reportedly made a January move for Marcao, but to no avail. They are ready to turn their attention towards him again in the summer and could shell out a fee between €15 million and €20 million, which is what Galatasaray want for him.
The Turkish giants are willing to sell the Brazilian in the summer transfer window and could listen to offers for him. Reports claim that Inter and AC Milan are also interested in the 25-year-old, but none of the sides have entered into talks with him.