Newcastle United are interested in Venezuelan international striker Jan Carlos Hurtado, according to Argentinian outlet 221 Radio.
The 19-year-old has one cap for his country, making his debut in the 3-1 win over Argentina in March that saw current Magpies’ forward Salomon Rondon on the scoresheet.
It is understood that the Toon Army are keen on bringing the Gimnasia teenager to England, but could face competition from Marseille and Atalanta for his services.
Good move for Newcastle?
On paper, Hurtado isn’t that impressive. Just two goals and one assist this season are hardly stats to get the pulse racing, but he is only 19, and brings a lot more to his game besides a goalscoring threat. At 6’0″, he is a decent physical presence capable of causing havoc amongst defences, and the fact that he has been able to force his way into the frame for a very impressive Venezuelan national side should tell you just how precocious he really is.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
There will be competition for Hurtado, that much seems clear. The clubs being linked with aside from Newcastle – Atalanta and Marseille – are both decent quality European outfits, and you could easily see a bidding war breaking out. If the Toon Army are willing to engage in that kind of action, and if they are able to keep hold of Salomon Rondon as well, then you would think that the teenager could be tempted by the prospect of working with a national hero day in, day out. There are, however, a lot of obstacles that have to be overcome to get to that stage.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10