Newcastle United part owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley
Newcastle United are interested in signing Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas this summer, although they'll face competition from Manchester United for the player's services, according to AS.
Salinas broke into Racing's first team last season, making 34 appearances across all competitions, providing seven assists in the process. This form has sparked interest from several clubs, including the Magpies, United, Atletico Madrid and Porto.
Newcastle have long been mentioned in the conversation for the left-back, as they look for someone who can provide immediate cover for, and eventually succeed, Lewis Hall.
However, United have now emerged as potential suitors for Salinas, who they view as an alternative to Hall and who is reportedly available for just €16 million (£14 million).
Newcastle Eyeing Move for Salinas
REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari via Action Images
United have been heavily linked with Hall this summer, although Newcastle have reportedly informed the Red Devils that they won't sanction the Englishman's departure for a fee that isn't astronomical.
The Tynesiders have already lost their manager, Eddie Howe, this summer, as well as the likes of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, while Bruno Guimaraes is on the verge of joining Arsenal. They aren't prepared to make this mass exodus even more damaging by selling yet another key player.
However, the St. James' Park hierarchy are chasing a new left-back to compete with Hall. Salinas has been identified as a top target after the 19-year-old made waves in Spain with his performances in Racing Santander's promotion-winning campaign last term.
AS report that Salinas had an €8 million (£7 million) release clause that expired at the end of June, and that this clause has now doubled to €16 million (£14 million).
This modest fee, in the midst of a summer of overly inflated fees, makes the prospective deal extremely attractive to Newcastle, although competition from Champions League clubs means the Premier League outfit may find it difficult to convince the 'complete' teenager to move to the north-east of England.
Newcastle Are in a Difficult Situation in Salinas Saga
Michael Carrick
With such a minimal release clause, it's likely several clubs will want to sign Salinas, and the reporting reflects that. United and Atletico, both mooted as suitors, have the financial capacity to trigger the clause and can offer the player European football.
If it's a straight fight between the Magpies and the Red Devils, the latter are likely to come out on top and land Salinas.
However, in the case that Newcastle fend off competition on the continent and secure the youngster, United would then be well-placed to sign Hall.
The England international may feel he's more within his rights to push for an exit if he has Salinas pushing him for minutes, opening up the chance he agitates for a move to Old Trafford.
Ultimately, the reported interest from United in Salinas has put Newcastle in something of a lose-lose situation.