Newcastle United consider £69m transfer for Porto playmaker Rodrigo Mora
Newcastle United are preparing to trigger the £69m release clause of Porto sensation Rodrigo Mora this summer amid uncertainty over key current players.
The Magpies have identified the Portuguese youth international as a priority target to bolster their attacking options.
Eddie Howe is keen to establish a new creative hub at St James’ Park ahead of the upcoming campaign.
This aggressive pursuit comes as the Tyneside club prepare for the potential departures of Anthony Gordon or Sandro Tonali.
Beating Premier League rivals to a marquee signing
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly circling Gordon and Tonali respectively, prompting proactive contingency planning from the recruitment team.
Securing the Primeira Liga prodigy would represent a significant coup for the North East outfit.
Manchester City and Arsenal have also actively monitored the highly-rated attacking midfielder following his breakthrough season.
However, Newcastle intend to bypass lengthy negotiations by activating a release clause currently sitting between £60m and £69m.
A potential record-breaking departure from Portugal
The Dragons are intensely reluctant to lose their crown jewel without receiving an astronomical fee.
Senior figures inside the Estadio do Dragao believe the teenage playmaker will eventually become the largest sale in their history.
The versatile attacker signed a long-term contract extension last year, originally featuring a staggered exit clause reaching up to £87m.
Known for an exceptionally low centre of gravity and incisive dribbling, he frequently ghosts past opposition defenders with ease.
Balancing domestic struggles with European ambitions
Howe’s squad are navigating a challenging domestic season, currently sitting ninth in the Premier League table with eight games remaining.
Their European aspirations also hang in the balance after battling to a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Adding a dynamic continental talent could provide the exact spark needed to reinvigorate the club’s long-term project.
