Report: Newcastle ‘willing’ to bid £13m to sign ‘beastly’ 18-year-old, Toon chief spotted with agent

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Newcastle United’s chief scout Steve Nickson has been spotted watching Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda, according to Marca.

As per the report, the Toon official was in attendance at Valladolid’s La Liga clash against Real Madrid on Friday.

The 18-year-old is said to have impressed Nickson, who was accompanied by the player’s agent, Luis Bardají.

Marca claim the Magpies are the side ‘most willing’ to make a financial offer for the player. The right-back is tied down to a £26.5m release clause, which becomes £40m if the club reject a proposal over £9m.

However, Newcastle’s bid would likely be worth around £9m, with add-ons totalling £13m.

Eddie Howe’s side face competition from Juventus, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

Newcastle want to sign Fresneda

Dan Ashworth and co have been searching for a young back-up for Kieran Trippier ever since the summer, having previously been touted with a move for West Ham’s Harrison Ashby.

However, Fresneda could be a superior addition, given his experience playing in the Spanish top-flight.

After a spell on the bench at the start of the season, the 18-year-old has become Valladolid’s starting option at right-back.

The youngster even received the second-highest rating (7.2) for his side during their league match against Madrid, which left Nickson impressed with his performance.

According to journalist Juan Arroita, Fresneda has a ‘beastly ability to take measured crosses’ – demonstrating parallels to the current Toon right-back.

Therefore, with such promise, hopefully Newcastle push to sign the teenager this month, as they look to add a back-up full-back to Howe’s squad.