Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.
The 18-year-old has made 11 senior appearances for his current club after working his way through their youth ranks.
As well as Newcastle, the teenager has reportedly caught the attention of Juventus and fellow Premier League side Arsenal.
With Fresneda being highly sought-after from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, some behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in the youngster.
In a recent post on Sky Sports’ live transfer centre, Sheth had this to say on the matter.
He said: “Newcastle are in talks with Real Valladolid over a deal for Ivan Fresneda. We know Newcastle have scouted the full-back, including last week against Real Madrid. It’s thought that Fresneda is flattered by the interest and would be open to a move to St James’ Park.
“They see their recruitment in this position as someone who is young, who can learn from Kieran Trippier, and then eventually become a key player in the Newcastle first XI. Fresneda’s contract is up in 2025. It might be at quite a delicate stage.”
This season has seen the teenager show just how impressive he can be from a defensive and attacking point of view.
Is Kieran Trippier Newcastle's most important player?
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For example, the Spaniard not only has the highest average of tackles per game (3.3) at Valladolid but also the highest average of key passes per game (1.4).
Taking into account how Trippier leads the way at Newcastle for the average of key passes per game this season (2.6) and has a higher average of tackles per game (2.2) than any other defender at the club, it’s easy to see why they have identified Fresneda as a potential heir for the Englishman.
Moving forward, in our view, securing a deal for the young defender this month and potentially loaning him back to Valladolid to finish the season could be a great long-term investment for the Tyneside club.