According to reports in Germany, Bayer Leverkuen are ready to challenge the Magpies for his signature and could make a move as early as January.
Leverkusen wants to add more firepower to the squad with Eren Derdiyok struggling with form recently. Also, Souza is good friends with midfielder Renato Augusto and it is believed, Augusto brought Souza to the attentions of the German side’s scouts.
Mike Ashley, the Newcastle chairman, is currently under pressure from fans to spend some money with Andy Carroll leaving for Liverpool in January for £35 million. Even though Demba Ba was signed, it involved no fee and fans want to see money spent.
They failed with a deadline day bid for Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz, who was formerly at Twente, after a bid of around £12 million was accepted. Sources in Brazil say Vasco would demand a similar fee for the prolific Souza who is currently on the fringes of the Brazil squad.
