Newcastle are willing to pay between £5.2million and £6.1million for Leganes hothead Gabriel Pires, according to Spanish publication Gol Digital.
The report also claims that the Toon have tabled a contract offer to the 23-year-old midfielder, after missing out on Manchester City winger Nolito earlier this month stated in an earlier report by Gol Digital.
The Mirror claims that Brazilian Pires, who joined Leganes ahead of the 2016-17 season from Serie A giants Juventus, has a release clause with his current club worth £6million.
Leganes’ number eight has been in superb form with his new side this season, scoring five goals and laying on another two assists from midfield in a side that survived relegation in 17th place.
A powerful midfielder, Pires is known for his ball control and intricate array of passing but can succumb to a lack of discipline and has picked up 10 yellow cards this season during his 36 league and cup appearances.
Moving to Juventus back in 2011 from Brazilian minnows Resende, Pires has failed to find a home and was instead shipped out on loan to the likes of Pro Vircelli, Pescara and Livorno.
However, Pires could finally be about to settle in England if he does indeed move to Tyneside in the summer, but may face tough competition in the middle of the park at St. James’ Park.
The likes of Jack Colback, Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey will provide tough competition for Pires or any other midfield recruits Benitez decides to sign.
However, if the Rio De Janiero-born midfielder can replicate the kind of form that has seen him shine in Leganes’ side, then he could improve the Toon’s chance of staying in the Premier League next season.