Newcastle officials spotted: PIF now watching £51m star who's just outshone Ronaldo and Jota

Newcastle United have added FC Porto’s Otavio to their transfer shortlist, Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness) report. 

Otavio’s primary position is right midfield but he’s showcased some impressive versatility in his career.

He’s played 81 games as an attacking midfielder and 67 as either a left midfielder or a left winger.

The Portuguese has made 40 appearances for Porto so far this season, starting 25 out of a possible 27 Primeira Liga matches for the unbeaten leaders.

The report states that Newcastle United have taken a liking to Otavio, who’s now very much ‘on their radar’.

Newcastle officials have been spotted at Porto matches ‘multiple times’ to run the rule over the talent in Sergio Conceicao’s side.

His profile apparently matches the criteria established by The Magpies’ recruitment team.

Otavio’s contract includes a release clause of €60million, which equates to about £51million.

Would Otavio be a good signing for The Magpies? Well, he may only have scored five goals this season, but his tally of 12 assists is more impressive.

Indeed, only two players in the squad – Mehdi Taremi (16) and Fabio Vieira (13) – can better that tally.

What’s more, he’s only shown an eagerness to contribute out of possession, leading the way in the Porto ranks for tackles per 90 minutes with 3.3.

His aforementioned versatility means he’d be able to compete with Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser and even midfielders like Joe Willock and Joelinton for places.

And if Newcastle chiefs were watching him in action for Portugal last week, they were surely impressed.

Otavio scored the opening goal as Fernando Santos’ men beat Turkey 3-1 to move within one win of qualifying for the World Cup, eclipsing the likes of Cristiano