Newcastle United are reportedly the favourites to secure a deal for Malaga youngster Antonio Cordero.
Sitting in sixth position in the Premier League table and having reached the EFL Cup final, the Magpies can claim to be enjoying a fine season under Eddie Howe.
However, the Newcastle boss has just seen his squad reduced by two players, Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron having signed for Juventus and Atlanta United respectively.
In the short term, it is a double blow to a group already limited in numbers due to ongoing issues with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Nevertheless, there will be greater leeway to add to the senior ranks in the summer, Howe also aware that younger talent may eventually need to be brought to the club.
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Newcastle frontrunners for Cordero?
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are in line to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to Cordero.
The 18-year-old has already accumulated 45 appearances for Malaga, the playmaker contributing five goals and eight assists in all competitions.
Cordero is free to discuss a transfer to a foreign club, though, given that his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
Acquiring the Spain Under-19 international on a free transfer would represent a significant coup for Newcastle, who may theoretically view him as a like-for-like replacement for Almiron.
Furthermore, it would allow Howe to use any funds available for other areas of the pitch, particularly in defensive areas when competition has sometimes been lacking.
Newcastle are said to have already held discussions with the representatives of Cordero, stealing a march on Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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A logical move?
While Cordero will naturally be tempted by the lure of Barcelona and Real, both clubs are stacked for options in the final third.
If Newcastle qualify for Europe for 2025-26, they will require extra strength-in-depth, and Cordero could benefit from regular action in cup competitions.
Thinking long term, Newcastle also have to consider squad registration rules. Unless academy players follow Lewis Miley through the youth ranks, Newcastle are lacking prospects who are 21 and younger.
Darren Plant
