Latest developments
- Newcastle United are planning to raid Tottenham Hotspur for Richarlison.
- The Brazilian is expected to cost between £40-£45 million.
- PSR rules could make the deal difficult for the Magpies.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): News from transfer insider
Newcastle are weighing up the possibility of a surprise move for Tottenham forward Richarlison, though PSR regulations could make a bid difficult for Eddie Howe's men.
This story is being reported by teamtalk.com, after transfer journalist Ben Jacobs discussed the deal on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel.
Value (2/5): A high price for out-of-favour player
Richarlison has played just seven times in all competitions this season, not starting a single game in the Premier League. Tottenham are said to want £40-£45 million for the 27-year-old, who has another two-and-a-half years to run on his deal.
That price could be enough to end the Magpies' interest as, depending on other deals, they could fall foul of PSR for such a transfer fee.
Suitability (4/5): Versatile and experienced
He may have been struggling of late, but there is no denying that Richarlison has bags of experience in the English top flight and is unstoppable on his day.
Able to play through the middle and on either wing, the Brazil international could fill any of the front three positions, with Newcastle expected to lose one or two forwards in January.
Upgrade? (2/5): Not an ideal replacement
Alexander Isak up front and Harvey Barnes on the left are two of said attackers that could be on their way out of St James' Park next month, and given just 16 goals in 73 Spurs appearances, Newcastle fans won't be confident of him filling the boots of those players.
Newcastle are also looking for reinforcement on the right, with Miguel Almiron set to leave, but Richarlison has less experience on that side.
Logic (3/5): Wants a World Cup place
One cannot fault Richarlison's determination, he wanted to stay and fight for his place in Spurs' squad last season, rejecting a chance to go to Saudi Arabia as he wanted to keep his place in the Brazil squad.
Now, the word is he sees a move to another team in a top European league as his best bet for getting a place in his team's World Cup squad. Newcastle supposedly can offer him that, if the financial rules allow.
Whisper+ verdict: 14/25
The world of PSR is a murky one, thus there is always a huge asterisk next to any rumour involving Newcastle and a bulky fee. Even then, Richarlison seems unlikely to be a top target for the Magpies.
