Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Ivan Fresneda from Real Valldolid.
That is according to Spanish outlet AS, who claim that teams from all over Europe are plotting a move to sign the 18-year-old defender.
Fresneda is a right-back who currently plays in La Liga, and is enjoying a breakout season in the Spanish capital. He has made six league appearances for Valladolid so far, who are 12th in the league after 14 games.
The Spain Under-19s international is attracting a lot of attention, with clubs in England, France and Italy, as well as Spain, all keeping an eye on his progress ahead of the January transfer window.
Newcastle are one of the clubs named by AS, and they will have to spend big if they want to bring him to St James’ Park next month.
How much Ivan Fresneda will cost in January
As is the case with all players in Spain, Fresneda has a release clause in his contract. He is currently available for £26million, but that could change in the future.
His release clause will rise to £39million if he makes 22 appearances for Valladolid. And that is why a lot of clubs are keen to snap him up in January. Otherwise his price tag will rise significantly.
Whether or not that is deemed too much for Newcastle remains to be seen, as they prepare for what is set to be an intriguing January transfer window.
While big names have been linked, it doesn’t sound like the Magpies will be spending big money next month. But new faces are being targeted, and Fresneda would fit the bill of one position Eddie Howe wants to fill.
Newcastle want to sign a backup right-back
It has been reported that one position Howe wants to improve in is right-back. That is why Newcastle have been linked with the likes of Harrison Ashby and Cody Drameh.
They are both 21-years-old, and would be ideal deputies for Kieran Trippier. That’s what Newcastle want – someone who can act as backup to the 32-year-old before possibly replacing him in the future.
Fresneda is even younger than Ashby and Drameh at 18, but he clearly has a lot of potential. That’s why teams all over Europe are trying to sign him.
Newcastle are in the conversation, as Dan Ashworth plots another signing for the future.
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