The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) reportedly have a 'good chance' of signing Marco Asensio for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Free agent next summer

Asensio's contract at Real Madrid expires next summer, meaning that he can leave the Spanish capital as a free agent at the end of this season.

The St. James' Park outfit were linked with a move for him in the summer transfer window, and could now look to revisit that in January given his contract situation.

The Latest: January move?

According to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), FC Barcelona have joined the race to sign Asensio but also present are the Magpies, Arsenal and AC Milan.

Los Blancos do not want to strengthen their biggest rivals, meaning that Eddie Howe's team have a 'good chance' of securing his signature ahead of the Catalans in January, with the winter window seen as the 'last opportunity' to make money off of his departure.

The Verdict: Get it done

It is hard to imagine that Asensio is still only 26 years of age given what he has won in his career so far, and so signing a player of his calibre could work wonders in terms of the North East club's long-term project.

Hailed as a ‘spectacular‘ player by his former agent Horacio Gaggioli, the Spain international is capable of producing moments of magic, and he has even been likened to superstar Lionel Messi in the past by former Madrid director Jorge Valdano.

Nonetheless, with 50 goals and 24 assists for Madrid (Transfermarkt), Asensio could certainly add another dimension and injection of end product to the Tynesiders' attack.