Newcastle transfer news: Magpies join race for Spanish starlet Jorge Salinas but face stiff competition from PSG and Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona discover themselves on the coronary heart of a scramble amongst Europe’s heavyweights for Spanish teenager Jorge Salinas — however it’s Newcastle United who might have probably the most urgent want for the Racing Santander left-back.

At simply 19, Salinas has accomplished his first full skilled season with the Segunda Division champions, making 33 appearances and offering seven assists as Racing secured promotion to La Liga. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with a bunch of main golf equipment making enquiries to each the Spanish outfit and the defender’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

In line with AS and Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Newcastle, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, Porto and Bologna have all registered their curiosity. PSG even had a consultant current at Racing’s 4-1 victory over Actual Valladolid on 16 Could, throughout which Salinas accomplished the total 90 minutes.

The Spain Beneath-19 worldwide reportedly turned down a profitable provide from the Saudi Professional League final summer season. His versatility — equally comfy at left-back or centre-back — is known to attraction to Luis Enrique in Paris, although it’s on Tyneside the place the necessity is arguably most acute.

Why Salinas matches Newcastle’s summer season plans

Eddie Howe’s aspect are in pressing want of defensive reinforcements following a summer season of exits. Kieran Trippier left on a free switch, Emil Krafth has additionally moved on, and Tino Livramento’s recurring health issues have left the full-back positions trying skinny.

Whereas the first focus has been on discovering a right-back — with Atalanta’s Marco Palestra recognized as a goal — left-back cowl represents one other hole within the squad. Lewis Corridor has been the first-choice possibility on the left, however the former Chelsea man is himself attracting vital curiosity this summer season, leaving Newcastle doubtlessly uncovered on that flank.

At 19, Salinas wouldn’t solely present competitors for Corridor but in addition provide a long-term answer on the left aspect of Howe’s defence. His skill to fit in at centre-back provides additional attraction for a supervisor who values tactical flexibility.

The discharge clause Newcastle should act on rapidly

© Imago / Ricardo Larreina Amador

Racing Santander are understandably anxious. The membership’s ambition is to make Salinas the costliest sale of their historical past, however a quirk in his contract creates a window of alternative for events.

Salinas’s launch clause at present stands at simply £7 million (€8 million). Nevertheless, it’s set to double to £14 million (€16 million) on 1 July. Any membership that strikes earlier than that date can safe {the teenager} at half the value Racing would like to obtain.

Beneath contract till June 2029, Salinas arrived in Racing’s first-team set-up from the membership’s youth academy. For a participant of his age, profile and ceiling, even the upper determine of £14 million would characterize sturdy worth in a market the place confirmed full-backs routinely command charges north of £30 million.

The query now’s which of Europe’s elite will act first — and whether or not Newcastle can steal a march on PSG, Barcelona and the remaining earlier than the clause resets on 1 July.