Newcastle send scouts to watch Real Betis trio - Report

Newcastle United's scouts have been very busy of late, if reports from Spain are to be believed.

This week, reports have emerged that Newcastle's scouts were recently in Spain watching Real Betis in action against Real Oviedo and Elche CF, and according to a Spanish outlet, Diario de Sevilla, as many as three players have ended up on the Magpies' watchlist.

Earlier this week, it was believed that the Toon scouts were there watching over winger Abde Ezzalzouli, who has been linked with Newcastle just recently, and striker Cucho Hernández was also someone who had caught the eye.

Now it's believed that central midfielder Sergi Altimira has also become a person of interest after impressing.

Real Betis needs to sell before the end of June

Real Betis need to sell to balance their books as reported by Sport Witness, and Altimira especially has been identified as a saleable asset, although they aren't expected to waver from their €25-30m (£21.6-26m) valuation.

Altimira has attracted a lot of interest with a whole host of clubs eyeing the 24-year-old, and it's believed he's already met with Sporting and RB Leipzig over a potential switch.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's interest in Cucho Hernandez came about after the 27-year-old scored a brace in the game against Oviedo, followed by another goal against Elche.

One out of three wouldn't be bad

The interest in Abde Ezzalzouli is what led Newcastle to watch Betis, and we believe that will still be the highest priority of the three, especially if Anthony Gordon is to leave the club in the summer as expected.

Abde is a left winger and feels like the perfect replacement for Gordon. Cucho Hernandez clearly knows where the goal is. The Colombian has bagged 11 goals in La Liga this season, but we feel at 27, he's probably going to be quite far down the list for Ross Wilson.

As for Altimira, it feels like things are already in motion there, so if we do hold a genuine interest, we'd have to move fast. 

Given Betis' need to sell players before the end of next month, we could see Newcastle moving at least one of this trio. Abde Ezzalzouli is the one we feel will be most likely, but we will face competition from Aston Villa, and after they just bagged the Europa League trophy, they will be strong competition.