Newcastle send scouts to watch ‘exceptional’ 18-year-old winger during international break

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Newcastle United have followed up on their interest of Real Betis winger Assane Diao after sending scouts to watch the attacker play for Spain’s Under-21s.

Newcastle are understood to be very interested in the 18-year-old following some ‘exceptional‘ performances for Betis in La Liga.

Estadio Deportivo are now reporting that Newcastle scouts were in attendance as Spain Under-21s defeated Hungary Under-21s 2-0 on Friday with Diao making an appearance off the bench.

Diao has enjoyed impressive start with Betis

Diao has had a bright start to his career with Real Betis after scoring four times in his first 11 appearances for the club, including one in the Europa League against Sparta Prague, resulting in the growing interest from Newcastle.

This good form has also sparked a lot of interest from other Premier League clubs who have taken notice. Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all closely following the 18-year-old alongside Newcastle and will be keeping an eye on his development in Spain.

Diao has also risen through the ranks at international level and made his third appearance for the Under-21s on Friday as Spain made it four wins out of four in their Euro 2025 qualifying group.

The teenager came off the bench for the last half-an-hour and was watched over by scouts from both Newcastle and Chelsea.

Betis hoping to tie their star down

Diao only signed a new contract with Real Betis in May, but his £26m release clause is starting to worry the Spanish club amid interest from Newcastle who they know could afford the fee.

Instead, Betis are hoping to get the winger to sign a new deal already to increase the fee by at least £10m so that, if they are forced to let the young man go, they can maximise their profits.

It’s all in Diao’s hands, but the youngster may feel it is more beneficial to stay with with Betis until at least the summer so he can continue his development and weigh up his options during his time off.

Newcastle, who will soon be expecting the return of Harvey Barnes and also have Yankuba Minteh out on loan, aren’t exactly desperate for a new winger right now.

However, since the arrival of Dan Ashworth, the club are always on the lookout for the next big footballing star and could be tempted by the release clause if recruits continue to like what they see from Diao’s performances.