Steve Nickson pictured with agent of January target as Newcastle prepare €10m bid - Photo

According to reports in Spain, head of recruitment Steve Nickson travelled to watch Real Valladolid’s Iván Fresneda in Friday's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid.

This comes from MARCA, who've also shared a picture of our chief scout sat alongside Fresneda’s agent Luis Bardají at the game.

They add that we are preparing a €10m bid - which could rise to €15m - for the 18-year-old, and could allow him to stay with the La Liga side on loan for the remainder of the season should our offer be accepted.

It has been made very clear that Eddie Howe is desperate to get a young right-back in January to learn from - and eventually replace - the experienced Kieran Trippier.

The full-back has already made eight first-team appearances for the La Liga side this season and is considered one of the most promising young defenders in Spain.

Despite reports linking West Ham's Harrison Ashby with a January move, it seems Fresnada is now under serious consideration and could be one of our main targets this winter, with Juventus, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Rennes also showing interest.

The Athletic's Chris Waugh has also confirmed that we had an official at Friday's game, suggesting the club really are taking a close look at the teenager.

Here's highlights of the Spanish U19 international in action against Real Madrid: