Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Ivan Fresneda, but are seemingly not willing to pay the 18-year-old’s release clause.
The Spaniard first emerged as a target last week, with AS claiming that the Magpies were one of a plethora of clubs chasing the Real Valladolid defender.
Fresneda is enjoying a breakout season with Valladolid, and could soon secure a move to a bigger club. Like all players in Spain, he has a release clause, and can be bought for £26million right now.
However, that release clause will increase to £39million once he plays 22 times for Valladolid. That is why teams are keen to snap up Fresneda now before his price tag goes up.
A new report from Spain claims that Newcastle are planning a move, but there could be an issue with the valuation.
Newcastle willing to pay £13m for Ivan Fresneda
According to Radio Marca Valladolid (via El Desmarque), Newcastle are considering an offer well below Fresneda’s £26million release clause.
They report that the Magpies are willing to pay between £8.75million and £13million to secure his services. At most, that is half of what Valladolid want for the promising right-back.
However, Radio Marca Valladolid add that Newcastle would then loan Fresneda back to the La Liga side for the rest of the season. That could appease Valladolid, who will be keen to keep their emerging star for as long as possible.
And for Newcastle, the need for Fresneda is not immediate. He would be one for the future.
Newcastle looking to the future
Eddie Howe has one of the best right-backs around at the moment. The position belongs to Kieran Trippier, and it will be his for as long as his body lets him play at the top level.
He is currently 32-years-old, making him the oldest player at the club right now. But age is just a number, and Trippier is also one of Newcastle’s best.
However, Newcastle will eventually need a replacement, and it sounds like Dan Ashworth is already making moves to bring one in. We have been linked with Harrison Ashby and Cody Drameh, who are also young right-backs just like Fresneda.
Whoever arrives will know that they won’t be first choice immediately, but they will eventually be expected to take Trippier’s place – whenever that may be.
Those are some big shoes to fill, which is why paying more money for someone like Fresneda over Ashby could be worth it.
Reports in Spain suggest that could be the case – although Newcastle reportedly aren’t keen to go as high a £26million to sign the teenager.
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