Newcastle United have Real Betis’ Sergi Altimira on their radar for the summer.
The Premier League side have been keeping a close watch on the Andalusian club over the past few weeks.
On Monday, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain of Newcastle United and Aston Villa being in the picture to sign Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli.
A day later, we relayed news the Magpies sent scouts to Spain to watch the Moroccan winger live in action. The same report stated the Tyneside club’s officials also watched his club teammate, Cucho Hernández.
New Real Betis player on Newcastle United agenda
Diario de Sevilla cover interest shown by Eddie Howe’s side in Sergi Altimira in a report focusing on his future.
Real Betis have to sell one or more players before June 30th to balance their books, and this is where the midfielder comes into the picture.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have identified the 24-year-old as one the players for major sale to raise funds. They have given him permission to explore options for the summer.
Although there’s need of funds, the Andalusian club are standing firm with their valuation of €25-30m for Altimira. That’s probably because he’s attracting interest from Newcastle United and other clubs.
The Spaniard has already met RB Leipzig while Sporting are very interested in securing his services. The Lions could submit a significant proposal in the next few days.
From Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen rate him highly. The latter sent a scout to watch the midfielder earlier this month.
A Newcastle United scout has watched Abde Ezzalzouli and Cucho Hernández against Real Oviedo and Elche CF. The official took advantage of this trip to also take notes on Altimira.
Our take: Magpies need to act quickly
Sporting and RB Leipzig seem to be ahead and have either made or will soon make firm advances.
For now, the Premier League side have only watched Sergi Altimira, who seems to be on the exit ramp.
With other clubs ahead, Newcastle United have to rush if they wish to bring him to the club.
He has a contract until 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €20m. The Spaniard has played 2,171 minutes from 40 matches for Real Betis this season.
