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Newcastle United: Ivan Fresneda is ‘fairly a done deal’

By Chloe Chadwick

Posted on 5 January 2023, 18:45

Newcastle United’s attempt to sign Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda is ‘fairly’ now a ‘done deal’, according to Reuters journalist Fernando Kallas.

The Lowdown: The story so far

The Premier League high flyers are reportedly on the lookout for a new right-back this month and have identified the 18-year-old as an ideal candidate.

The Magpies have been credited with a strong interest in the youngster, and speculation of a move was increased after head of recruitment Steve Nickson was spotted with his agent at a match last week.

The Latest: Kallas’ comments

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Kallas revealed that Fresneda is set to make the move to St James’ Park, with farewells already underway in La Liga.

Quoted by Newcastle World, the reporter said of the Valladolid defender: “He’s 18 years old and he made a very good game over the weekend. He neutralised Vinicius Junior when Real Madrid played Valladolid. I heard the coach and his team-mates are already saying goodbye to him because it’s fairly a done deal that he’s going to Newcastle.”

The Verdict: A rock at the back

Eddie Howe’s side have already completed their first signing this month as Garang Kuol’s transfer was activated, and Fresneda could be the next to follow at Newcastle.

The Spaniard currently averages 3.3 tackles, 2.9 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per league game, highlighting the rock that he can be at the heart of defence (WhoScored).

PIF will be keen to bolster their ranks in a bid to secure a top-four spot at the end of the campaign, and the addition of Fresneda would surely only increase the chances of that happening.