Newcastle Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson has travelled to Brazil in order to observe Vasco da Gama forward Marrony, according to Globo Esporte.
The 20-year-old striker is currently in his second season of professional football with the Brazilian Serie A side, and has 32 first-team appearances to his name since making his debut in September.
Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro-born Marrony has also scored six goals for the Gigante da Colina, making him the Estadio Sao Januario native’s second-top goalscorer this season. However, he has not yet represented Brazil at any age group.
His future at Vasco da Gama is uncertain, though, as his relegation-threatened side are in a difficult financial situation, and will consider offers bellow his €35million (£31.3m) release clause.
Portuguese Liga NOS outfit Sporting CP have likewise scouted Marrony recently, but opted against advancing on their initial interest.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will pursue a move for Marrony this summer, although it would be unlikely that United executives would sanction a high-figure pursuit of a rising star that may not flourish under Steve Bruce.
The details of Nickson’s report on the 20-year-old are yet to become clear, but the club’s Head of Recruitment is believed to have been left impressed by the 20-year-old.
Nickson is due to hold talks with Bruce to discuss the players he has scouted at an upcoming meeting between the pair, with United keen to present the players currently on file to the new head coach.
Newcastle are understood to be actively pursuing young talent that can develop on Tyneside, and in return raise their market value, but it would be probable that Managing Director Lee Charnley and co. will focus on talented youngsters that have already proved some of their abilities in a more competitive surrounding than a low-finishing Brazilian Serie A outfit.