Newcastle and Man Utd eye move for 20-year-old La Liga prodigy with £100m release clause

Newcastle United returned to their scintillating best in an emphatic 8-0 away victory over Sheffield United.

Eddie Howe’s side blew away their South Yorkshire opponents and there were a total of eight different scorers in the game which is a new Premier League record.

Among those goal scorers were central midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff, while Elliot Anderson also impressed with his desire to drive forward.

Newcastle are stacked with midfield talent and the likes of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Joe Willock are also viable options in the central areas.

However, it is still widely reported that Howe is targeting further reinforcements in this area and earlier reports this week have tipped the Toon Army to make a move for France international Adrien Rabiot of Juventus.

Newcastle and Man Utd are both monitoring the player’s ability in the January window and it appears both clubs also have their eyes on a youngster from Spain.

Spanish outlet Marca reports that Newcastle and Man Utd have scouts attending every game of Valencia prospect Javi Guerra.

Guerra is a 20-year-old central midfielder who was a product of the Villarreal academy. Valencia signed the youngster when he was just 16-years-old and he quickly made an impression in their B team between 2021 and 2023 making 49 appearances.

He is viewed as a great all-rounder and a box to box midfielder, he broke into the first team at the Mestalla Stadium during the final few games of last season and helped Valencia avoid relegation.

Guerra’s impressive form was rewarded with a long term contract in May, which keeps him at the club until 2027. He celebrated this new deal by scoring the winner on the opening day of the season as Valencia beat Sevilla 2-1.

Overall, Guerra has registered three goals and one assist in his side’s opening six games and Valencia currently find themselves 6th in the La Liga table.

The club’s turnaround in fortunes can be attributed to the influence of Guerra and Los Ches will be desperate to keep hold of their star man in January.

Guerra’s current contract with Valencia includes a £100m release clause, according to reports from CaughtOffside and while it is unlikely that Newcastle will pay that price. It is possible that the club would be able to offer Valencia a strong bid in the winter window.