Crystal Palace eye Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca and could land Flamengo teen for under transfer buyout clause
BRAZILIAN whizkid Matheus Franca is on the radar of Crystal Palace — if the price is right.
The attacking midfielder, 19, has a huge buy-out clause but Palace could tempt Flamengo with a £15million offer in the summer.
Newcastle are thought to have had three bids rejected for Franca in January.
The Toon reportedly offered £11.5m, £12m and then £14m.
And Magpies chief Eddie Howe remains a big admirer.
Franco extended his Flamengo deal – amid suggestions his get-out clause has doubled from £88m to £176m.
And the Brazilian giants have so far held out for at least want at least £17.5m PLUS 50 per cent of his next transfer fee.
Flamengo were desperate to keep hold of him after selling Joao Gomes to Wolves.
And Palace’s interest comes as Roy Hodgson’s excellent start back in charge continued with Saturday’s 4-3 win over West Ham.
The Eagles are now a comfortable 12th – ahead of Chelsea.
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But star man Wilfried Zaha seemed to show his disapproval to the Palace bench after being taken off late on.
The winger had pounced for the Eagles’ second goal as they recovered from 1-0 down to lead 3-1.
But he appeared unhappy when Hodgson took him off in the closing minute as the home side held on for a deserved derby victory.