Newcastle United's It appears that Vieri's search has ended. The Gremio defender is now reportedly on his way to Fiorentina.
The Premier League club were one of the first teams to pursue the 21-year-old, with their interest later turning into an offer of a reported €12m (£10.3m). brighton, tottenham and sunderland also entered the race in recent weeks, while Benfica have long maintained an interest.
However, in the end it looks like Serie A has won.
according to the journalist alex robeVieri has been sold to Fiorentina, in what would become the biggest sale involving a defender in the history of football in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
The total package is reported to be in excess of €17m (£14.6m).
Fiorentina finally meets Grêmio's demands
Over the past few weeks, Grêmio repeatedly rejected offers that he felt undervalued one of his academy's fastest-rising graduates.
Both Newcastle and Fiorentina were credited with a bid of €12m (£10.3m)While the Brazilian club have consistently indicated they expect between €20m (£17.2m) and €25m (£21.5m).
The final agreement appears to come very close to that goal.
According to the latest information, Grêmio will receive approximately €17m (£14.6m), with €15m (£12.9m) guaranteed and the remaining €2m (£1.7m) linked to bonuses.
The transfer was reportedly negotiated by agent Vinicius Prats.
Newcastle kept an eye on him from the beginning
Newcastle had spent significant time evaluating Vieri prior to the move.
magpies sent scouts to keep an eye on him During the state championship and as his reputation grew, he was repeatedly linked with a left-footed centre-back.
Ultimately, though, it appears that Fiorentina have stepped up most when needed.
The move also underlines Grêmio's firm negotiation strategy throughout the process. Rather than accept opening bids of around €12m (£10.3m), the Brazilian club held their position until a significantly better package arrived.
For Newcastle, attention will now inevitably turn elsewhere after months of monitoring one of Brazil's most promising young defenders.
