Newcastle United’s chief scout Steve Nickson has been spotted taking in Real Valladolid’s clash with Real Madrid as they eye up a move for highly rated youngster Iván Fresneda.
That’s according to Marca, who cover the chief scout’s visit to Spain and the potential bid that Newcastle may make for the defender.
The newspaper explains that Fresneda ‘did not disappoint’ against the La Liga champions and showed a ‘fluency unbefitting’ of a player who is only 18 years old.
Real Valladolid are aware of the growing interest in him and have already tied their prospect to a deal with a €30m release clause. That would increase to €45m if they received and rejected a proposal of more than €10m.
A move from one of a number of sides in Europe is a ‘reality’, though, and Newcastle are one of the ones readying a bid.
Marca spotted Nickson at the game against Real Madrid, where he was accompanied by Fresneda’s agent Luis Bardají.
They are the ‘most willing’ to make a financial offer for the player and it would initially be worth around €10m with the possibility of reaching €15m. There is also an idea to leave him on loan until the end of this season.
That bid is yet to be made but there is a growing sense that Newcastle will make it at some point and try to get ahead of the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Rennes in the race.
