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Newcastle 'set sights on long-term target Horta as they prepare £10m January bid

  /  autty

Newcastle United are preparing a bid for Braga winger Ricardo Horta, according to reports.

The 25-year-old has been a long-term target of the Toon club, having been watched by former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez when he was in charge at St James' Park.

And according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Newcastle have Horta back in their sights and are preparing to test Braga's resolve with a £10 million bid.

However, it is believed that the Magpies will have to up their offer if they want to sign the player this month, with Braga president Antonio Salvador looking for bids that are closer to his €30 million release clause.

Horta recently signed a new contract at the Portuguese club which raised his release clause fee from €25m.

The player has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions for Braga this season, whilst also registering six assists.

According to O Jogo, Newcastle's focus has turned to Horta following the Magpies' failed approach to sign RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman.

The former Everton man was reportedly Steve Bruce's first-choice target to revamp the club's options in wide areas, but the Bundesliga club are playing hardball over any potential sale.

With a move for Lookman now looking unlikely, Bruce has now turned his attention to Horta who is the next man down on the Newcastle target list.

The club were given a January boost out wide, however, as Scottish winger Matt Ritchie featured in the 4-1 FA Cup replay win over Rochdale on Tuesday night following a five-month injury lay-off.

Ritchie registered an assist for the Magpies' final goal against the Dale and looks one step closer to making his return to Premier League action this month.

Newcastle also recalled fellow winger Rolando Aarons back from his loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers this week.

The 24-year-old has made 22 Premier League appearances for the Toon but has not featured in the league for the club since December 2017.

Related: Newcastle United