The lack of firepower in front of goal has certainly cost Newcastle United a few points this season and Steve Bruce will be determined to add to his options in the upcoming transfer windows.
They are already scouting for some exciting names and one player they are now interested in is Brazilian ace, Gabriel Barbosa.
The Chroniclelive has today run a story that Inter Milan could be ready to cash in on the youngster and value him at around £20m.
He could only be available come January but is he an option the Magpies should consider?
More on Gabriel Barbosa
The Sao Paulo born attacker moved to Serie A in 2016 after an impressive season with Santos but failed to replicate that form in Italy.
He has since spent time on loan at Benfica, Santos and Flemingo where he has shown decent consistency in front of goal.
Barbosa wrote his name in the history of Flamengo with a late brace earlier this week, that saw the Brazilian side win The Copa Libertadores, taking his tally to 31 goals and seven assists in just 36 starts in all competitions.
An excellent finisher with impressive hold-up play, the 23-year-old is strong in the air but is also effective in build-up play.
His movement and ability with the ball at his feet allow him to create chances consistently and his dribbling ability makes him a nightmare for even the best defenders in the country.
The Brazilian flair that he has to the game usually makes him a fan favourite and at St James’ Park, he could even walk into Steve Bruce’s first team next season.
He has five appearances for Selecao and at his age has enough experience to make an impact in the Premier League.
Right Man For The Magpies?
Joelinton’s inconsistency in the final third has hurt Newcastle on more than one occasion this season.
So it does not come as a surprise that Bruce is desperate for a quality attacker, who can convert half chances into goals, something none of his players have been able to do, so far this season.
The likes of Yoshinori Muto and Dwight Gayle are the only backups to Joelinton in the first team, which makes Gabriel Barbosa or another striker almost a necessity for The Magpies.
The Brazilian attracted interest from a number of top clubs in Europe not so long ago and his potential is undeniable.
His failure to make an impact in Europe could play its role in this deal but at just the reported £20m, he is surely a risk worth taking for The Magpies.
