Newcastle United have turned their attention to Fiorentina right-back Dodo as they look to bounce back from a difficult summer transfer window.
The Magpies suffered a major blow when Aston Villa hijacked their move for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, matching Newcastle’s agreed fee and convincing the Switzerland international to choose Villa Park instead.
That setback has forced Eddie Howe and his recruitment team to reassess their priorities heading into the new season.
Strengthening the right side of defence has now emerged as a key focus, with Newcastle’s search leading them toward Serie A.
According to Viola News, relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have made contact with Fiorentina to explore the conditions of a potential deal for Dodo.
Inter Milan, Juventus, and Napoli have all held talks over the Brazilian previously, but none of those three clubs have managed to progress negotiations into a concrete agreement.
Nottingham Forest have also been credited with interest, meaning Newcastle face competition as they look to push ahead with a formal approach.
Reports in Italy suggest Fiorentina value Dodo at around £13m, a relatively modest figure for an experienced and consistent performer at this level.
The 27-year-old joined Fiorentina from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022 and has since established himself as one of the most dependable full-backs in Italian football, making 47 appearances in all competitions last season.
Comfortable operating as either a traditional full-back or wing-back, Dodo has built a reputation for covering huge distances while remaining composed in possession throughout a campaign.
His former coach Vítor Severino has previously described Dodo as “super fast,” highlighting explosive acceleration as one of his greatest strengths on the pitch.
Severino has also praised the defender’s work ethic and willingness to improve, suggesting his athletic ability is matched by an impressive mentality away from the spotlight.
Those qualities appear to fit precisely what Howe demands from a modern full-back capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Fiorentina regard Dodo as an important squad member, however, meaning Newcastle are unlikely to secure a straightforward deal without real financial commitment.
Competition for his signature could intensify if formal bids begin arriving from multiple clubs later in the summer window.
Newcastle’s need for reinforcements is pressing, with the club having sold both Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali while also navigating the ongoing Bruno Guimaraes saga.
Missing out on Manzambi after believing a deal was agreed has added further urgency to the club’s recruitment drive ahead of the new campaign.
Signing Dodo would give Newcastle a proven right-back capable of contributing immediately in the Premier League, adding pace and attacking intent down the flank.
The original reports from La Nazione and La Viola, two outlets with strong Fiorentina coverage, lend the story genuine credibility despite no deal being confirmed as yet.
Newcastle remain determined to strengthen despite the frustrations of recent weeks, and Dodo represents the type of proven, experienced performer who could make an immediate impact.