Newcastle United 'join' Aston Villa in race for Euro 2024 winner with 87 La Liga appearances

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Newcastle United are in the market to sign one of La Liga’s leading assist makers

Newcastle United have joined Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign highly-rated Spanish midfielder Alex Baena after a string of excellent performances for Villarreal.

The North East side are in the market for a right-sided winger that can help catapult the team back into the Champions League places after last year’s seventh place finish.

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Left sided attackers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have both been hugely impressive in recent months but both Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy have dropped down the pecking order, with Joelinton currently playing as a makeshift right attacker.

Baena is reportedly highly-rated by Newcastle’s recruitment team and is seen as a player that can help add further quality to an exciting attack which struck 85 Premier League goals last term.

The 23-year-old, who played two games for Spain on their road to Euro 2024 glory,  is regarded as one of the best creative midfielders in European football.

He has registered five assists in 11 La Liga appearances this season, making him the third most creative player in the La Liga behind Barcelona duo Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

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Meanwhile, his tally of 14 assists last term was the highest in the entire division ahead of the big name stars such as Nico Williams, Robert Lewandowski and new Manchester City recruits Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan, who were signed from Girona and Barcelona respectively.

Baena is capable of playing as both a central attacking midfielder and on either wing and has already racked up 127 appearances for the Yellow Submarine across all competitions while gaining experience in the Champions League and Europa League.

Caught Offside understands that Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all taken a liking to the eight-time Spanish international due to his excellent creativity and ability to dictate proceedings in the middle of the park.

In recent months, Baena has formed an excellent partnership with former Newcastle fan favourite Ayoze Perez, who has scored seven goals in nine appearances since joining Villarreal on a free transfer in the summer.

Birmingham Live understand that Baena has a release clause of around £50m but Newcastle would likely look to negotiate a cheaper deal.

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