Newcastle have cranked up interest in South America but are looking for hidden gems
Rayan of Vasco da Gama
Rayan of Vasco da Gama(Image: )
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Newcastle United continue to track Vasco da Gama star Rayan after cranking up their interest in South America.
Rayan is still only 19 but has what has been deemed an unrealistic £69m release clause in his contract with the Brazilian Serie A side. With the Magpies focusing heavily in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Peru these days, the club is well aware of Rayan's potential.
But United are believed to have been advised that Rayan's true value is closer to the £20m mark. Even then that would be a steep fee for a player who is unproven in European football. The Magpies are scouring South America with new scout Thomas Federspiel, renowned for finding stars in that part of the world, taking a closer look at future Toon stars across the Atlantic.
However, while Rayan is still of interest, despite the steep fee, Newcastle are eyeing up emerging talent in South America and want untapped stars. If Federspiel can find one or two hidden gems, sporting director Ross Wilson will be delighted.
Wilson lured Federspiel from Nottingham Forest as part of his scouting rebuild at Newcastle's Benton base. Although, Newcastle are still leaning heavily on head of recruitment Steve Nickson while head of youth scouting Paul Midgley could be handed more senior assignments after agreeing to stay on Tyneside.
Benfica date set
Newcastle U21s face Benfica in the Premier League International Cup next Tuesday. The kick off time for Adam Lawrence's side is now at 1pm at Whitley Park.
The kick off has been moved due to Newcastle's first-team facing Manchester City at St James' Park in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. Unfortunately, after failing to beat Paris St-Germain, Dinamo Zagreb and Real Sociedad, the young Magpies' hopes in this competition are over as they can't advance to the latter stages following a poor group phase.
Peter Silverstone joins Juventus
Former Newcastle commercial supremo Peter Silverstone has joined Serie A giants after leaving St James' Park officially on December 1. The Scotsman will be Juve's Chief Business Officer after securing some big deals on Tyneside with Fenwick, Adidas and Noon.
A Juve spokesperson said: "Peter is bringing over twenty years of international experience in business development and strategic partnerships."
New job for Becky Langley
The former Newcastle women's manager guided the Magpies to back-to-back promotions before leaving the club earlier this term. Langley was replaced after an emotional departure by Tanya Oxtoby in November, but a new challenge has fallen for Langley in 2026.
Langley has taken over as assistant coach of London City Lionesses and will support Eder Maestre. Langley made the following comments after getting the job in the capital: "I'm delighted to be here and can't wait to get going. I think the project has no ceiling here.
"Having an owner who is so ambitious for success at London City and in women's football is really exciting.
"The talent we have in this squad [meant] it was a no brainer for me to join. My role is to support Eder and to push us to be one of the best teams in the WSL."
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