Newcastle is closing in on a €10 million deal, with the player enthusiastic about the project and discussing personal terms.

According to Jacque Talbot aFootballTransfers, Newcastle is leading the race to sign Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda; who has a

They report that the teenage defender is ‘hugely encouraged’ by the long-term project on offer and the prospect of working under Eddie Howe, adding that Arsenal is unlikely to beat us to any deal as they prefer to sign the Spaniard in the summer.

Talbot states that we are expected to launch a formal offer this week – a €10m release clause exists in his contract – with personal terms in the process of being discussed over a deal that ‘appears to be moving quickly.’

Should he arrive at St James’ Park, it’s thought he’d learn from Kieran Trippier and act as cover for the England international, with us lacking cover in that department after Emil Krafth’s ACL injury.

The 18-year-old defender has also attracted a lot of interest from other European clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Juventus, but it seems we’ve made our move.

As he is younger than 21, Fresneda would not have to be named in Eddie Howe’s 25-man squad – another appealing factor that allows us to use the youngster without selling a senior player.