According to Nick Arcuri, the agent of Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose, Newcastle United made a move to beat Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona to the signing of the Brazilian during the January transfer window.
Manchester United were also interested in the services of Willian, but none of them succeeded as the La Liga club weren’t willing to let him go after struggling to land a replacement.
Tottenham came very close, though, having tabled cash plus player for his signature.
Newcastle already have one Brazilian striker in Joelinton, but the 23-year-old has failed to impress since arriving from Hoffenheim for £40 million last summer.