Everton are among a host of European clubs chasing Real Valladolid right-back prospect Ivan Fresneda, according to reports. 

The Lowdown: Fresh on the scene

As an 18-year-old in his first season in the senior team, Fresneda is impressively navigating his way through Spain’s top flight. 

Averaging 2.5 tackles per game in La Liga - more than all but three Everton players manage per outing in the Premier League - the youngster is certainly not struggling with the physicality gap from youth football.

Experience is of course needed, but as the Blues continue to search for a true Seamus Coleman successor, Fresneda crops up as a potential long-term option to work alongside Nathan Patterson.

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The Latest: Everton name-checked

According to a report from AS, relayed by Sport Witness, Fresneda is one of the players expected to be in the rumour mill as we venture towards the recommencement of the January market.

He is considered “one of the most promising young talents” in European football and his club expect a “frantic race”, with Newcastle and Everton name-checked as the interested parties in England.

Valladolid managed to hold onto the asset in the summer window and tied him down to fresh terms that included a €10m (£8.5m) release clause, which now risen to €30m (£26m) due to the fact that he has played six first team games for the club. That fee could rise to €45m (£38m) if the starlet is to reach 22 games for the club.

The Verdict: Now or never for unproven star

This decision is one for the scouts. 

Fresneda is relatively unproven as a first team asset, despite making four starts for mid-table Valladolid.

Everton are faced with a conundrum in the high-profile race for young prodigy, with his price to to rise again if he is to reach 22 appearances for the La Liga side.

If they are genuinely convinced with the prospect, then they will happily fork out the £26m fee, but given their position in the table and genuine need for reinforcements who can immediately come in and bolster the squad, it would serve as a risk for what is an unproven young star.

This is a 50/50 call.