Some Newcastle supporters have been reacting on social media after United were linked with Club Brugge centre-forward Wesley Moraes by Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness.
The Italian publication understand we, West Ham and Lazio are all keen to offer the 22-year-old the next step in his career he is craving for after three and a half seasons in the Jupiler Pro League.
Corriere dello Sport even suggest the Hammers and we have made contact to sound out the chances of a move, but do not claim whether that was with his agent or representatives working on behalf of Club Brugge.
They also do not suggest how much the Brazilian would set us back, although TransferMarkt currently consider Moraes to be a talent worth £16.2million, and that figure has only been on the rise since he joined the Belgian elite side from Slovakian outfit AS Trencin in January 2016.
Unlike Salomon Rondon – who Moraes would reasonably be brought in to replace at St James’ Park with West Ham sniffing around the West Brom-owned forward – he would have the considerable resale value Mike Ashley is keen to see in whoever he signs for the club, as well.
Maybe that is why the Mirror are claiming we have sent scouts to watch Moraes in action several times this season just gone, in which they would have seen the 6 ft 3 centre-forward involved in 27 goals (17 scored, ten assisted) in all competitions.
They also quote the physically imposing centre-forward stating where he would like his future to be: “I do not know yet, I have a preference for the Premier League, but we’ll see what happens, I have to give it a go.”
And when it was shared on social media that Moraes had been attracting interest by Newcastle and West Ham, here’s how some of the St James’ Park faithful reacted…
Why are West Ham always linked with the same players as us
— max (@Simply_Almiron) May 20, 2019
I’m convinced they don’t have a scouting team they just read paper reports on who everyone else likes
— SamZ1993 (@Z1993Sam) May 20, 2019
Oh well he will be off to west ham then.
— thereal andrew young (@temperamentalan) May 20, 2019
I’d take him as a second choice happily
— Joe (@Futman11Jr) May 20, 2019
Pretty sure we won’t be ‘battling’ anyone, no way fatty will get into an auction.
— Richard Coulthard (@Rich1570) May 20, 2019
That’ll do
— Toon In Toon Out (@toonintoonout) May 20, 2019
The same #NUFC that can’t seem to sign their manager and player of the season who both want to stay?!
— Robbie Bell (@robiez1) May 20, 2019
Be on the the list as the 22 year old younger alternative to Rondon✅
— Rafa Facts (@FactsRafa) May 20, 2019