Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Spanish prodigy Ivan Fresneda.
According to a report from 90min, 18-year-old Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda is a target for Newcastle United. And the Premier League side will face competition from rivals Chelsea and Manchester United as well.
The talented young right-back is highly rated around Europe, and a number of clubs are keen on securing his services. And recent reports have suggested that Newcastle United are closing in on signing the Spanish prodigy.
Apparently, Newcastle United want to bring in a defender who can provide cover for Kieran Trippier. And they have held talks with Real Valladolid regarding a potential move for the 18-year-old.
The two clubs are yet to reach an agreement, and it seems that the Spanish outfit are prepared to sell the player for a fee of around €20 million. Fresneda is a prodigious talent with a big future ahead of him. He has the ability to develop into a top-class player. And the reported asking price could look like a bargain in the long run.
Furthermore, there is no shortage of resources at Newcastle right now. And the Magpies are one of the richest clubs in the world following their takeover. They can certainly afford the €20 million price tag for Fresneda. But it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pay the asking price this month.
Newcastle are currently pushing for a top-four finish, and they will be determined to secure Champions League qualification. Bringing in more quality and cover during the January transfer window will only help them sustain their form from the first half of the season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are currently without Reece James because of an injury, and the Blues could certainly use a backup right back. Fresneda could be a quality long-term acquisition for Graham Potter. But it remains to be seen whether the Blues can beat their Premier League rivals to his signature.
On the other hand, Manchester United are in the race to sign the 18-year-old as well. However, it would be quite surprising if they decided to sign Fresneda this month. The Red Devils already have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka at their disposal, and the 18-year-old is unlikely to join them as a third-choice right back.
That said, Wan-Bissaka has been linked with the move away from Manchester United this month. And Fresneda could be a quality alternative if the former Crystal Palace defender decides to move on in search of regular game time.
All three Premier League clubs have the financial resources to pay the asking price, and it will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old defender ends up. But Arsenal and Tottenham will also compete with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United for the Spanish prodigy.
