Newcastle United are looking to continue their futureproofing of their squad by adding two more youngsters this January as they aim to secure Champions League football on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe’s side continue to fly high, with the Magpies currently sitting third in the Premier League, five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park, and following a very impressive point gained on the road at Premier League leaders Arsenal.
It follows a series of impressive performances, taking points from Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham as they look well-placed to bring Champions League football back to the north east for the first time since the 2003/2004 season, when they reached the third qualifying round of the competition.
Now, they are looking to the future, with the club set to table bids for young stars Ivan Fresneda and Alan Varela.
Fresneda, raised in the Real Madrid academy, has made seven La Liga appearances to date for Real Valladolid after having made the step up to the senior side from the reserves over the summer. He also has four Spain U19 caps to his name, and has a release clause set at 30m euros.
However, the Magpies are set to table a £15m bid for the Spaniard, with Valladolid reportedly ready to sell for less than the talent’s release clause.
Additionally, Eddie Howe’s side have also offered £16m for Boca Juniors midfielder Varela, who is also thought to be on Barcelona’s wishlist as they target a replacement for the soon-to-be out-of-contract Sergio Busquets.
As per Marca Argentina, this will be enough to tempt the Argentines into a sale, though Varela will spend the remainder of the season on loan with Boca before making the switch to the Premier League.
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