Newcastle United are in talks to sign promising 16-year-old winger Johan Martinez, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs has revealed.
The St James’ Park side are in advanced negotiations with Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle for the highly-rated teenage attacker and look set to beat competition from several European clubs, with reports suggesting a deal is close.
The 16-year-old forward is considered ‘one of South America’s most exciting prospects’ and looks set to follow in the footsteps of Premier League stars Moises Caicedo and Piero Hincapie, who both developed in Valle’s academy.
Several European clubs are believed to have approached Martinez this year, but Newcastle currently appear to be leading the race for his signature.
Newcastle in Talks to Sign Johan Martinez
St James' Park
According to Jacobs, Newcastle are at the forefront of Martinez’s suitors, with discussions between the two clubs advancing over the winger’s potential move to St James’ Park.
The Magpies look set for another busy summer transfer window after a disappointing domestic and European campaign.
Newcastle were knocked out of the Champions League following an 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona and currently sit 12th in the Premier League with seven games remaining.
With no European football on the horizon next season, the club may struggle to retain some of their top players, who are already attracting interest from rival Premier League clubs.
While Sandro Tonali was surprisingly linked with a late winter switch to Arsenal, captain Bruno Guimaraes appears to be drawing significant attention from Manchester United.
Man Utd Hold Meeting Over Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palace
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United have held meetings with Guimaraes’ agents to gauge his interest in a potential summer move.
The Old Trafford side have placed the signing of a new midfielder top of their agenda, with Guimaraes among those high on the shortlist, alongside Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Newcastle remain in a strong position to keep the Brazilian, whose contract runs until June 2028, and are unlikely to sell easily.
The Magpies took almost two months to agree the sale of forward Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, ultimately securing a British-record £125m fee for the Sweden international.
Eddie Howe Related
Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle Open Talks With Player Wanted by 'Several Top Clubs'
Newcastle United are in talks to extend the 19-year-old midfielder’s contract amid interest from several top clubs.