Real Madrid star is ‘one to watch’ for Newcastle United amid free transfer move claim

Newcastle United could be handed an opportunity to secure a cut-price deal for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio in the near future.

The 28-times capped Spain international has enjoyed a highly successful eight-year stay at the Bernabeu after helping his side land a whole host of major honours.

Asensio joined Real in a reported £3million move from Real Mallorca in December 2014, but would spend the remainder of the season on loan with his former club.

The following season was also spent out on loan, with Asensio scoring four goals and providing 15 assists in 37 appearances during a year-long stay with Espanyol.

His career went into overdrive upon his return to Real as he became a three-time Champions League winner at the Bernabeu, as well as helping the club to three La Liga titles, three UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA World Club Cups and two SuperCopa Espana wins.

However, the 26-year-old has only been used as a substitute in four of Real’s nine fixtures in all competitions so far this season and will enter into the final months of his current deal when the January transfer window opens.

That could present a big opportunity for Newcastle and a number of other potential suitors for the Spain star - according to one report.

Speaking via his YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Asensio’s current situation with the La Liga giants.

He said: “Marco Asensio will be available on a free next summer because at the moment there is no agreement to extend his contract with Real Madrid.

“And it could be a factor this free agent story for Marco Asensio because some clubs are already exploring this possibility for next summer to sign Asensio on a free.

“So the January market depends on how these clubs will move on a potential free transfer for next summer or for another it will try to extend this contract but at the moment, still no agreement with Asensio and he wants to feel important.

“So, one to watch in January or on June as a free agent”.