Newcastle United are reportedly desperate to pip both Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion to the signing of Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted

It has been reported that the St James' Park outfit now want to bring in a new central midfielder given the injury to Jonjo Shelvey.

They have recently been linked with moves for Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, so it is clear that they want someone to cover in the middle of the park until Shelvey fully recovers.

The Latest: Cifuentes interest

As per The Sun, Newcastle are desperate to pip Premier League rivals Leeds and Brighton to the signing of Cifuentes.

The Ecuador international is thought to cost in the region of £6m, and he is set to go to the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The Verdict: Smart prospective business

Signing Cifuentes for a relatively low transfer fee to cover for Shelvey would be a smart piece of business from the Tynesiders, especially given that he holds a Transfermarkt valuation of £9m.

Hailed as a 'dynamic' player by LAFC general manager John Thorrington, he boasts an impressive 13 goals and 15 assists in 84 games for the MLS club from the middle of the park (Transfermarkt), highlighting how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet and in range of the goalposts.

Cifuentes is only 23 years of age, too, so he has plenty of time to fulfil his potential under the management of Eddie Howe if he comes to Newcastle.