Bringing in Gonzalo Plata in January is very achievable for Newcastle United, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Toon have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old ace, who is currently in Qatar representing Ecuador at the World Cup.
Plata plies his trade in Spain with Real Valladolid, where he has made six starts. Meanwhile, he has been hailed by journalist Ben Jacobs for his ability to ‘pick a pass’.
The burgeoning talent has started each of his country’s group games at the World Cup, and O’Rourke believes that he is a player that could appeal to Eddie Howe.
He told GiveMeSport: “It is a position that Newcastle would like to add to, they do want to bring in [a winger].
“He’s a pacey winger who can play wide on the left.
“I think he could be somebody who could be very gettable this January transfer window.
“Especially with his price tag, I don’t think Real Valladolid would be in any position to turn down any sizeable offer for his signature.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
Will Newcastle United finish in the top four this season?
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Journalist Dean Jones has already claimed that the Magpies are big admirers of the Ecuadorian and he could well play himself into a move following his exploits in Qatar.
Journalist Adrian Blanco described the talent as a ‘true trickster’ following his performance against the hosts in the opening game, and while Plata has only scored 10 senior goals since he moved to Europe, he still ranks in the top 7% of his positional peers across the continent for dribbles completed per 90 minutes as well as placing in the 80th percentile for assists per game (FBref).
Likened to Wilfried Zaha and Allan Saint-Maximin by stats database FBref, the flashy winger could be an extremely exciting, yet affordable, option at St James’ Park.