Sources: Newcastle United well placed to sign Ivan Fresneda – on one condition
Newcastle United continue to keep tabs on Real Valladolid sensation Ivan Fresneda but may only make a move if they secure Champions League qualification this season, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies alleviated their lack of depth at right-back by swooping for West Ham youngster Harrison Ashby, 21, in the January transfer window.
But the extra games potential European football would bring could lead to Newcastle rekindling their interest in highly-coveted 18-year-old Fresneda.
Newcastle can secure a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying round by beating Man United in the League Cup final next week (26 February) but are well-placed to clinch Champions League football via a top-four finish.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (14 February) that Man United have taken a “really active interest” in signing Fresneda after his January move to Arsenal collapsed.
As per AS (31 January), the youngster’s agent confirmed he was the subject of interest from “30 clubs” in the winter window.
As well as Man United, it is believed that Arsenal, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund remain in the race for his signature.
The starlet has earned a reputation as one of the most promising young right-backs in Europe after his La Liga breakthrough.
The Spain Under-19 international, who is under contract until June 2025, made his senior debut for Valladolid last year (2022) and has gone on to play 15 times for the club.
Newcastle swooped for Ashby on transfer deadline day last month (31 January), paying a reported fee of £3million including add-ons for his services.
He made just one Premier League appearance for West Ham after coming through the ranks at the London club.
The Magpies are next in top-flight action against Liverpool on Saturday (18 February).
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