Newcastle United are the most interested club in signing Real Mallorca midfielder Kang-In Lee, according to reports from Spain.

The Lowdown: Magpies make enquiry

The South Korean is currently in Qatar having been named in Paulo Bento’s World Cup squad and come off the bench to provide an instant assist against Ghana on Monday, but that hasn’t quelled any speculation surrounding his future in La Liga.

The Magpies recently made an enquiry for the 21-year-old despite him still having two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, and whilst nothing has yet come to fruition, Eddie Howe appears keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Lee

According to Spanish outlet Marca (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are ‘the club most interested’ in signing Lee, regardless of plenty of ‘competition’ from England.

The South Korean has a €17m (£14m) release clause in his contract, which is stated to be ‘perfectly’ affordable for English top-flight suitors, and Mallorca are already ‘starting to fear’ that offers may arrive in January.

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The Verdict: One for the future

Lee has been described as an ‘advanced playmaker’ by Jacek Kulig, and looking at his numbers, he is someone who would well be worth Newcastle's efforts in paying the release clause.

The 21-year-old already has three assists and two goals to his name this season and has the versatility to operate in five different positions, which is remarkable for someone of his tender age (Transfermarkt).

PIF’s target would likely be considered a signing for the future, and there seems little doubt that he is someone who would flourish under the guidance of Howe at St James’ Park.