Newcastle United are reportedly 'starting to move' for Vasco da Gama central midfielder Andrey Santos, and are ready to make a quick offer.

The Lowdown: Highly-rated

Santos is a player who is very highly-rated in Brazil, hailed as having ‘incredible maturity’ and ‘a lot of quality’ by teammate Nene, while he has also been described as a ‘monster’ physically by Brazilian legend Juninho, and has even been likened to one of the greats of the game in Sergio Busquets (Goal).

He has played a total of 28 matches for Vasco at the tender age of 18, scoring five goals, and has also featured six times for Brazil at youth level, scoring twice (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Starting to move

As per Jeunes Footeux, the St. James' Park outfit are one of a number of high-profile clubs 'starting to move' for Santos, alongside fellow Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Ligue 1 giants PSG.

However, FC Barcelona have already made contact with both Vasco and Santos' entourage over a potential move, but Vasco are demanding a transfer fee of €30m (£26m) to sell.

Nonetheless, the Magpies could 'quickly draw a substantial offer' to match the La Liga heavyweight if needed.

The Verdict: Get it done

Getting a player of Santos' ability and potential at his age would represent great business from the Tynesiders, especially if they can beat the high level of competition for his signature.

Incidentally, he shares the same agent as Bruno Guimaraes, who transferred to the North East from Lyon in the January transfer window, so he could play a part in bringing his fellow Brazilian midfielder to the club.

Nonetheless, Eddie Howe's team at least know the price that they have to pay, and so they can now decide whether to match it with a serious offer.