Newcastle United target ‘awaiting decision’ as ‘top European clubs’ consider move

The Magpies are believed to be keen to add a young defender to their squad this month.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United face competition from ‘more top European clubs’ as they look to finally complete a deal for Real Valladolid’s highly-rated defender Ivan Fresneda.

The Spain Under-19 international is believed to be one of a number of players under consideration by the Magpies as they look to provide competition and backup for regular right-back Kieran Trippier. There were reports from Spain earlier this month suggesting United had made a move for Fresneda, with some describing the situation as ‘a done deal’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Those reports have cooled in recent days and there have been some suggestions Newcastle could reignite their interest in West Ham United youngster Harrison Ashby after coming close to signing the Hammers defender during the final days of the summer transfer window.

Valladolid manager Pacheta was asked about interest in Fresneda as his side prepared for their recent Copa del Rey tie against Alaves and revealed he did not expect the 18-year-old to be part of his squad for too much longer.

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.”

However, Fresneda remains with the La Liga club and made a 90-minute appearance as a Abdon Prats goal condemned his side to a 1-0 defeat at Real Mallorca last week and he is expected to make another start when they host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon.

Real Valladolid's Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda  (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)Real Valladolid's Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda  (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Valladolid's Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More clubs are expected to attend the game as they consider a move for a player rated by some as one of European football’s most promising full-backs - and journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on the race for the youngster’s signature.

He tweeted: “Interest growing around Iván Fresneda. Valladolid RB’s attracting Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus as called weeks ago but also more top European clubs have now joined the race. Born in 2004, Fresneda’s highly-rated waiting for decision on his future.”