Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Newcastle United may have a 'clear pathway' to sign midfield target Edson Alvarez this summer.

The Lowdown: On Newcastle's 'radar'

It was reported last week that Newcastle have Alvarez 'loosely on their radar' ahead of a potential move in the summer.

After letting Jonjo Shelvey go to Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, the St. James' Park outfit will be looking to sign a new central midfielder, after they also explored moves for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Sheffield United’s Sander Berge.

The Latest: May have 'clear pathway'

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones says that while there is 'admiration' for Alvarez from a number of other clubs in Europe, the Tynesiders could still have a 'clear pathway' to sign him this summer:

“I think this is a situation that they don’t have to rush into.

“While there’s definitely admiration for Alvarez from multiple clubs around Europe, it doesn’t feel like you could get behind in a battle at this stage.

“I think there’s a pretty clear pathway to go for him as and when you want to.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Alvarez is sure to attract plenty more attention in the summer, especially if he keeps performing well on the big stage.

Hailed as a ‘monster‘ for the Mexico national team by journalist Felipe Cardenas, he boasts a mammoth 61 caps for his country, including playing twice at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

At club level, Alvarez has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe with Ajax, ranking in the top 10% for a number of key metrics over the last year, including being in the 99th percentile for passes attempted and aerials won per game.

At just 25, the Magpies would be signing a player that would hit his prime years in the North East, and so a deal for him this summer just seems like a no-brainer.