Agreement ‘confirmed’ as Newcastle United ‘go all the way’ for £12m midfielder

Newcastle United transfer target Maximo Perrone has reportedly come to an agreement over a possible departure from Argentinian club Velez Sarsfield.

The defensive midfielder has captured the attention of several clubs after impressing for Velez over the last year but it is Newcastle that are said to have the most significant interest in handing the youngster a chance to impress in Europe. Still only 19, Perrone has made just 33 appearances in senior football but impressed sufficiently to earn a maiden call-up to the Argentina Under-20s side earlier this year as he made his debut alongside Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho in a 2-2 draw with the United States.

Speaking about his style, Perrone told Spanish outlet Marca. He said: “(Central midfield) is the position that I like the most because (in midfield) the ball passes through me a lot, I the pitch in front of me and I can reach the penalty area. I want to cover all the positions in midfield. I identify with (Sergio) Busquets.”

Despite the increasing speculation over a move to Tyneside, no bid has been lodged, but there have been two updates on a possible deal after the Magpies initial interest was revealed by journalist Cesar Luis Merlo last week.

Argentinian news outlets Diario Popular and Ole have claimed Newcastle are ‘determined to sign’ Perrone and have already entered into negotiations with the player’s representatives. A fee of around £12.2m is reported, despite the player having a £7m release clause entered into his current contract. Ole have stated the Magpies have now gone ‘all the way’ and ‘enquired about the conditions’ of a deal for bring Perrone to Tyneside, with Velez also coming to an agreement with the player to depart ‘if a good offer arrives’.