Big claims from South America as Newcastle make '€18m move' for Argentinian star

According to reports emerging from South America last night, Newcastle United have made a move for Boca Juniors star Alan Varela.

D Sports Radio - a popular station based in Buenos Aires - claim that we've come forward with an €18m bid for the highly-rated midfielder.

They add that it will be 'very difficult to say no' to our offer, which is believed to be marginally lower than Varela's €20m release clause.

The 21-year-old has been extensively likened to Enzo Fernandez - the Chelsea-bound World Cup star who has shone on the European stage since swapping River Plate for Benfica last summer.

Time will tell if there's any truth in this latest transfer link, but Varela certainly ticks plenty of boxes as a tough, energetic and technically gifted 'number six' who's being tipped for big things in Argentina.

Recent reports suggest Youri Tielemans and Moises Caicedo are high on Edie Howe's wanted list, but could this be the unearthing of another South American gem from Dan Ashworth? We shall see.