Newcastle United are close to sealing first summer signing after Tyneside visit

Malaga winger Antonio Cordero is out of contract in the summer, prompting Newcastle to open talks with the 18-year-old in January over signing a pre-contract agreement.

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with Cordero by various sources, but it is the Magpies who look set to win the race.

As per Mail Sport, the family of Cordero have recently visited Tyneside and a deal is now close to being signed off.

It’s claimed the plan is to immediately send the Spanish youngster out on loan next season, much like Newcastle did with Yankuba Minteh. The Gambian was signed from Odense Boldklub and spent a year on loan at Feyenoord before United were forced to sell him amid pressures to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Who is Antonio Cordero?

Born in Jerez in southern Spain , Cordero was on the books at Cadiz, Sevilla and Real Betis before joining Malaga in 2021.

Cordero first broke into Malaga’s ‘B-team’ and caught the eye in the Spanish fifth-tier - scoring 12 goals in 17 appearances. He has also been capped for Spain at under-18s and under-19s level.

He has since established himself as a regular in Malaga’s first-team since making his debut in 2023. In 26 La Liga 2 appearances this campaign, he has scored four goals and provided six assists.

If a deal is reached as expected, Cordero would join Newcastle on June 1 when his contract in Spain officially expires.

Newcastle United youth recruitment drive continues

Last year, Newcastle announced a deal for Dinamo Tbilisi forward Vaktang Salia, who will officially move to St James’ Park when he turns 18 in August. The Georgian, like Cordero, is expected to go out on loan.

Meanwhile in January, the Magpies signed Republic of Ireland teenager Kyle Fitzgerald from Galway United and Baran Yildiz from Turkish second-tier side Genclerbirligi.

Speaking about the importance of signing young talent, Mitchell said last year: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.

"We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.”