Newcastle United are reportedly 'preparing an offer' to sign Velez Sarsfield defensive midfielder Maximo Perrone.

The Lowdown: Eyeing South American talent...

The St James' Park outfit have recently been linked with moves for young Brazilians Andrey Santos and Angelo Gabriel, as they scout South America for some of the best upcoming talents.

They are now interested in signing 19-year-old Argentine gem Perrone, who has been capped eight times for his country at youth level.

The Latest: Offer prepared

As per Olé (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are 'preparing an offer' of around €10m (£8.7m) to sign Perrone, and their interest is at 'maximum' level.

Velez want to keep him, but 'it will not be easy' for the Argentine club, as the Tynesiders could look to pounce in the January transfer window.

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The Verdict: Get it done

There is no doubt that Perrone is going to attract interest from some high-profile clubs around Europe come January.

Hailed as a 'spectacular' prospect by Argentina legend Gabriel Heinze, and a 'wonderful talent' by football scout Ron Dor, he has played 33 times for Velez by the age of 19, scoring three goals and supplying two assists (Transfermarkt).

Perrone also ranks in the 96th percentile for tackles and 85th percentile for blocks for defensive midfielders over the last year (FBRef), and to potentially get him for just £8.7m could turn out to be a real bargain for Newcastle in the future.