Newcastle United have opened talks to sign Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, according to TEAMtalk.
The Magpies have struck an agreement with La Liga giants Barcelona to allow Gordon to depart in a deal worth £70m, with the winger set to earn a whopping £300,000-a-week at the Camp Nou.
Eddie Howe is need keen to add reinforcements to the squad with the deal all but done, and the club have made their move to bring in a top target as his immediate and direct replacement.
Newcastle Open Talks to Sign Abde Ezzalzouli
Abde Ezzalzouli real betis
Ezzalzouli, who has been described as a superstar, enjoyed a sensational campaign for Betis this season with 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions, as the team claimed a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.
But the 24-year-old's performances have attracted the attention of several clubs, including Newcastle, and now the Toon have made their move by opening talks over a mega-money deal to take him to St James' Park.
Newcastle scouts had been keeping a close eye on the Moroccan even before Gordon's move to Barcelona was agreed, and they have now accelerated that interest as he is viewed as the perfect replacement.
Ezzalzouli's camp have been very open to a move to the Premier League and Newcastle, with the player attracted to their long-term project and the prospect of playing in England's top flight.
Betis are expecting the winger to move on this summer and are currently pointing to his €60m (£52m) release clause. However, it's understood that they would be willing to negotiate a slightly lower fee if clubs came forward with serious offers.
Bailey tweet Newcastle Ezzalzouli
Newcastle Must Be Quick and Aggressive in the Market
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match vs Everton
Last year Newcastle were looking to go big in the transfer market, but they pondered too much and then suffered when other clubs stepped in for their top targets and best player, in Alexander Isak.
This summer, they simply cannot afford to make the same mistake again, and after agreeing to let Gordon leave early in the window, they have positioned themselves well to have time to find a replacement and ease the transition.
However, now they must get the deals done quickly too to help the new players settle in and give Howe time to work with his new squad. This is a deal which looks to be on the table to get done, and the club cannot afford to ponder again considering how much interest and competition there is in his signature.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe after losing to West Ham United. Related
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Newcastle are already planning how to splash the Gordon cash.