Newcastle United have watched Brazil international Everton Soares after a series of South American scouting missions undertook by Steve Nickson this season.
But reports that a bid has been tabled by Newcastle for Soares are believed to be premature, with Magpies sources distancing themselves from talk of £38.5million.
According to a report by Foot Mercato there was a loan offer with a view to a £38.5million end of season permanent transfer for the Gremio star on the table. But Newcastle have now played down those reports.
It was 12 months ago that United's long drawn out transfer for Miguel Almiron was already under way with Atlanta United.
There's plenty of reported interest in Soares, who wowed during the Copa America. And in the original report it claimed Newcastle had made a loan bid but his club had turned it down.
Whether United move for anyone in January is still not clear.
Toon boss Steve Bruce has been asked about transfers in January this week and, when asked if another Almiron-type deal was possible, said: "Whether we can find another one as good as him? I'm not so sure but, make no mistake, if we can find a player like him for that money, I will bray down the door if we can get him."
Bruce also confirmed Nickson's whereabouts lately and said: "He's in South America on business."
