"Newcastle were told..." - Journalist drops interesting transfer claim involving £60m forward

Newcastle United had Richarlison on their radar before his move to Tottenham, claims CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The Brazilian has left Everton for Antonio Conte’s side in a £60m deal, and Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT that he was keen to join a club in London.

On Friday morning, Tottenham confirmed the signing of Richarlison from Everton, with the 25-year-old coming in to strengthen Spurs’ attack.

He was also thought to have been a target for Chelsea, and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano even claimed that the Blues tried to hijack their London rivals’ deal at the last minute.

In a boost for Conte, though, Tottenham were able to see that off and land one of the Italian’s top targets.

Richarlison was a crucial player for Everton last season, scoring 10 goals in 30 league appearances as Frank Lampard’s men went on to avoid relegation.

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According to Jacobs, Newcastle also wanted to sign Richarlison this transfer window but were quickly informed that the player wanted to move to the capital.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: “They need a striker and [Hugo] Ekitike is off now. Richarlison was originally a target that they thought they might be in the conversation for, but Newcastle were told very early and openly that he only wanted to move to London and by London, I mean, at the time, Newcastle were informed that it was Chelsea and Tottenham both circling.”

Without a doubt. Eddie Howe is clearly in the market for a new forward, so Richarlison would have been ideal.

He can play up front or out wide, scores goals and works extremely hard.

When compared to other No.9s, Richarlison has ranked in the 92nd percentile for pressures, 95th for tackles, 93rd for