Journalist Jordan Cronin has claimed that ‘momentum is gathering’ in Newcastle United’s pursuit of Maximo Perrone.
The 19-year-old is out of contract in December 2023 and Newcastle could take advantage of his situation.
According to reports out of Argentina (via Sport Witness), the Toon are thought to be preparing an offer of around €10m (£8.7m) for the Velez Sarsfield midfielder.
Perrone is also thought to have attracted interest from Manchester City, and while the Magpies may face competition for his signature, it appears that they are stepping up their attempts to land the teen sensation.
Speaking on the Loaded Mag NUFC YouTube channel, Cronin said: “Momentum’s gathering with that one. There’s definite interest there, I know the player has been watched in person as well.
“A young player, you talk about building for the future and he would fit in perfectly in that position as well. I know Bruno’s been playing in the sitting midfielder position at the minute, but then once Jonjo Shelvey is back, you sort of want to push Bruno higher.
“Jonjo Shelvey’s just hit 30 as well, so it’s about planning for the future and obviously this lad here’s flying in Argentina, so one to watch in January.
“At this stage, there’s definitely potential for a deal to be done with that one.”
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The U20 Argentina international made 33 appearances in the season that has just finished in South America despite his tender age.
Predominantly a defensive midfielder, the youngster has been heralded as ‘spectacular’ by his former boss, Gabriel Heinze.
As Cronin pointed out, the Buenos Aires-born talent could provide the platform for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes to flourish, and given the calibre of teams he is being sought by, Perrone could prove a very shrewd pick-up by PIF.