‘Done deal’ - Spanish journalist claims Newcastle United are close to new January signing

Newcastle United are reportedly moving closer to securing a deal for Real Valladolid’s highly-rated defender Ivan Fresneda.

The Magpies are believed to be keen to add a young right-back to their squad during the January transfer window with Leeds United’s Cody Drameh and West Ham United’s Harrison Ashby both said to be under consideration in recent months.

However, interest in Spain Under-18 international Fresneda has increased in recent weeks and United’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson was pictured sat alongside the youngster’s agent during Valladolid’s 2-0 home defeat against Real Madrid on Friday night. There have now been suggestions the Magpies have made their move after watching Fresneda perform well against Brazil winger Vinicius Junior during the game and one journalist has revealed the young full-back has already said his goodbyes to his team-mates and coaches at the La Liga club.

Spanish football expert Fernando Kallas told Sky Sports News: “He’s 18-year-old and he made a very good game over the weekend. He neutralised Vinicius Junior when Real Madrid played Valladolid. I heard the coach and his team-mates are already saying goodbye to him because it’s fairly a done deal that he’s going to Newcastle.

“He had conversations with Real Madrid and Barcelona. He’s a very young player, he’s been in the Spanish national team under-18s and under-17s too. He’s going to be a good player and he’s another example of how the Premier League are just dominating the market going after players in the big five leagues. It’s almost unfair right now.”

Valladolid manager Pacheta was asked about interest in the youngster as his side prepared for their Copa del Rey tie against Alaves on Wednesday night and admitted he would buy Fresneda ‘without hesitation’ if he was in charge of another club.

He told Spanish outlet Marca: “I think Fresneda has few games left with the Real Valladolid shirt. He is 18 years old, but he does things that people of 30 do. If I was at another club, I would go for him without hesitation, his data is brutal and you are not buying the current player, you are buying what he can become in a few years.”

Newcastle have already concluded their first incoming deal of the January transfer window after Australia international Garang Kuol officially completed his move to Tyneside. Magpies manager Eddie Howe has already confirmed the youngster will train with United ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday but could head out on loan to gain first-team experience. The Magpies new boy is believed to have significant interest from clubs in the Championship, League One and Scottish Premier League.