English giants Newcastle United are reportedly mulling over a late move for 22-year-old Portuguese striker Vitinha.
According to a report by A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Vitinha is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies have scouted the Portuguese striker extensively and are considering a late move this month. The youngster has a release clause worth €30 million in his contract with SC Braga.
Vitor Manuel Carvalho Oliveira, better known as Vitinha, spent his formative years in his homeland. The 22-year-old graduated from the SC Braga academy a couple of years ago after joining them in 2017. And he has established himself as a pivotal figure for the Portuguese outfit since making his first-team debut.
The Portuguese striker is enjoying a superb 2022/23 season thus far, amassing 13 goals and five assists in 27 appearances. Vitinha’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with several clubs setting their sights on him. And the player has also popped up on the radar of Newcastle United.
Newcastle United invested in a striker in the summer transfer window by landing Alexander Isak. But the Swede has endured a frustrating 2022/23 season due to fitness issues. In addition, Callum Wilson has not been at his best thus far, with his form nosediving as the campaign has progressed.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have loaned Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest. And while Newcastle United will soon sign Anthony Gordon, they might also invest in a new striker. That is because Allan Saint-Maximin faces an uncertain future at St. James’ Park. Recent reports have also claimed that the Frenchman is unhappy with the prospect of Gordon joining Newcastle.
Vitinha is thus a viable target for Newcastle over a late move in the ongoing transfer window. The Tyneside giants have been keeping tabs on the Portuguese striker for a long time. And they have an extensive report on the 13-goal man. But Newcastle United might need to trigger his release clause, worth €30 million, to land him.
It will be interesting to see if the Magpies are ready to shell out €30 million to sign a striker. Considering they already have Wilson and Isak in the first-team squad, a permanent deal might not be on the cards. For now, Vitinha is a viable target for Newcastle United.
