Newcastle United’s bid set to withstand late transfer hijack with contract expected to be signed

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Newcastle United have been placing an emphasis on signing younger players from abroad in recent months.

Indeed, sporting director Paul Mitchell was brought in last summer and is seemingly having an impact at Newcastle United despite a difficult first transfer window when it came to first-team matters.

Mitchell wants Newcastle to sign younger players from abroad, such is the success other teams like Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton have had in those markets.

Whether they become first-team stars or are sold for profit, it can only be a good thing for Newcastle. Player trading is an essential part of modern football and something the club have struggled with in recent years.

One of the names linked with a move is Malaga youngster Antonio Cordero.

Newcastle have held pre-contract talks with Cordero, who would be available on a free this summer and has previously been linked with the likes of Real Madrid.

However, the 18-year-old is likely to be in demand and rival interest has now emerged.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Antonio Cordero hit by transfer hijack

According to the Daily Mail, Porto are interested in Cordero.

With confirmation about his move to Newcastle reportedly held up by lawyers, a window emerged for the Portuguese giants to try and steal a march to sign the teenage winger. It’s said Porto are prepared to offer him a more immediate path into the first-team.

Still, the report adds that a move to Newcastle remains the most likely step for Cordero.

The player’s family are said to have visited Tyneside and the expectation is that a pre-contract with Newcastle will still be signed.

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Eddie Howe already has a plan for Antonio Cordero at Newcastle United

There is excitement about Cordero, albeit the idea of immediately starring in the Premier League after playing in the Spanish second tier seems remote at best.

Expecting too much from him too quickly seems unwise. Newcastle lack options on the right wing but will surely look to make a first-team signing there this summer anyway, which could further impact the Spaniard.

Newcastle plan to loan Cordero out after signing him, which feels logical. Yankuba Minteh enjoyed success with that at Feyenoord last season, albeit it was a shame PSR rules forced the club to sell him to Brighton.

Thankfully, it seems as if Porto’s attempts to hijack the deal have failed.