Newcastle United launch £16m ‘offer’ for new midfielder but face La Liga competition

Newcastle United have reportedly lodged an approach for Boca Juniors midfielder Alan Varela. Eddie Howe’s side have the chance to further bolster their ranks with the January transfer window now open.

According to a report by D Sports Radio, the Toon Army have made an ‘offer’ worth just shy of £16million as they look to lure him to the Premier League. However, Spanish giants Barcelona have also been credited with an interest so there is strong competition for his signature.

In addition, a potential deal to bring him to the North East would also be for next season meaning he wouldn’t link up with Newcastle this month. It is said that June is when he could arrive if a transfer is struck.

Varela, 21, is being tipped for a bright future in the game and could be seen as a useful long-term option in the midfield department at St. James’ Park. He has been on the books at Boca Juniors for his whole senior career to date and is being tipped for a bright future in the game amid links to Europe.

The prospect made his first-team debut back in December 2020 in a Copa de la Liga Profesional clash against Independiente and hasn’t looked back since. He has now made 76 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with a single goal and three assists. His contract expires in 2026 but Boca will face a battle to keep hold of him, with Newcastle looking to pip Barcelona to get him.