Newcastle’s ‘Rolls-Royce’ midfielder has a £18m release clause, according to a Sky Sports reporter.

The Magpies are said to have made a £16 million bid for the 21-year-old this summer, but with a near-£18 million release clause in his contract, the Argentinian giants may look to demand a fee closer to that figure.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the talented prospect joining Eddie Howe’s side later this year sounds plausible,’ implying a move to St. James’ Park.

Downie confirmed to GiveMeSport that Newcastle is interested in Varela but that a January transfer is unlikely, with a more experienced addition urgently 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 realization 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 92^nd percentile for non-penalty goals and the 89^th 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.