The agent of Santos striker Marcos Leonardo has confirmed the 20-year-old will depart the membership within the January switch window.
90min revealed earlier this month that Santos are resigned to dropping Leonardo this winter, with golf equipment from throughout the Premier League making ready gives for the proficient Brazilian.
Certainly, each Arsenal and Manchester United have scouted Leonardo not too long ago, whereas the Below-20 World Cup offered Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur with the prospect to look at over the striker.
Curiosity in Leonardo has been rising in 2023. Through the summer time, each Nottingham Forest and West Ham United held talks however did not get a deal over the road, whereas 90min beforehand reported he’s being thought of by Brentford even when Ivan Toney stays on the membership. The competitors for the striker has risen dramatically.
“Already within the earlier switch window, he had the potential for being offered,” agent Rafaela Pimenta confirmed to Relevo.
“However Santos’ sporting state of affairs was very specific. He accepted to remain as a result of he wished to assist out till the top of the season. He didn’t need to depart as a result of it wasn’t the appropriate factor to do.
“However the time has come for the switch. He needs to have a European expertise, and his time will come this winter.”
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Santos will demand round £20m to half methods with Leonardo, who has struck 21 objectives in 45 appearances for his membership this calendar 12 months.
Whereas the Premier League curiosity in Leonardo is powerful, golf equipment in mainland Europe are additionally following the striker.
Roma, who pursued a transfer for Leonardo final summer time, stay eager on a deal. The Brazil youth worldwide stopped coaching with Santos in an try and pressure via a transfer to Rome earlier than in the end returning to his position as a key starter.
Portuguese giants Porto and Sporting CP have additionally signalled a need to signal Leonardo in January.