The race for Santos striker Marcos Leonardo is heating up.

Leonardo is expected to be on the move from Brazil in January, with Europe's biggest clubs watching the young forward.

UOL Esporte says Roma and Newcastle are making their move for the Santos striker. Indeed, Newcastle have started initial talks with the Brazilians to reach a deal for the player as early as January.

Santos expects to raise €20-25m from his sale.

This season, Leonardo has scored 13 goals from 24 games in the Brasileiro Serie A.