Newcastle United are reportedly considering former Manchester United midfielder Fred as a possible target as they search for a January deal upon Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for betting breaches.
Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are two current Reds players to have been linked with a switch to St James’ Park, but Erik ten Hag is unlikely to let any main squad members leave mid-season.
Turkish outlet Fotomac, however, says Fred is one potential option despite only joining Fenerbahce in the summer. The 30-year-old has played in all but two of the club’s 15 matches this season with the Super Lig leaders yet to be beaten in any competition.
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Fred has been an important part of the team, registering five assists so far. It seems ambitious, then, that Newcastle would launch such a bid given his age and the fact that Fenerbahce would charge double the fee they paid for him.
The Brazilian left United for £8.72million during the summer and the report says the Turkish giants would be looking for around £17m. Reports elsewhere suggest Newcastle could instead look at a move for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, 26, who is currently playing in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, 90min claims United have joined Tottenham in keeping tabs on Club America defender Sebastian Caceres. The 24-year-old centre-back has clocked up seven caps for Uruguay and played in his nation’s 2-0 win over Brazil in World Cup qualifier this month, their first win over their rivals since 2001.
The report says Newcastle, Valencia and Girona are among those also looking at Caceres, whose club contract expires in 2024. He has clocked up more than 170 senior appearances since making his debut aged 18 in 2017.