Newcastle United ‘like’ Boca Juniors midfielder Alan Varela after an offer was made to bring him to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
The Magpies have reportedly submitted a £16m bid to sign the 21-year-old this summer, but with a near-£18m release clause in his contract, the Argentinian giants could look to demand a fee closer to that number.
According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the talented prospect joining Eddie Howe’s side later in the year ‘sounds plausible’, meaning that a move to St. James’ Park could be on the cards.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie confirmed that Newcastle are admirers of Varela but insisted that the chances of a January transfer are unlikely, with a more experienced addition imminently needed.
“Even in midfield, Alan Varela is one that they like. He might be more involved with the first team but is he going to come in and start every game? I’m not sure.
“I just think that the tact might change slightly as the window goes on and I think there might be, if there isn’t already, a realisation that they need another experienced midfielder in there.
“How much they’re willing to go to and how much they’re willing to spend is the question.”
TIF thoughts on Varela to Newcastle…
Varela has been dubbed a ‘Rolls-Royce’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and given his experience level considering his age, he will definitely be a fantastic player for the future of Newcastle.
The Isidro Casanova native currently ranks in the 92nd percentile for non-penalty goals and the 89th percentile for pass completion amongst midfielders, as per FBRef, highlighting the huge potential he already has.
Varela has so far made 76 senior career appearances, and that number is only set to increase in years to come should he put pen to paper in the northeast.