Newcastle United have held talks with the agent of the Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda over a potential move to Tyneside.

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Eddie Howe's side have noted the right-back spot as their priority position for this month's transfer window and have identified the La Liga youngster as an option.

This is according to the reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano who has been speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel about the Magpies' interest in the 18-year-old.

However, the Italian journalist did caveat his comments by saying the Toon have not yet made an approach to the Spanish outfit yet and have only sounded out the player:

"At the moment, nothing is still advanced or close to being completed. But they're working on some potential ideas.

"For example, Ivan Fresneda is a right-back from Real Valladolid, born in 2004. One of the most talented right-backs in Europe in this moment.

"They're following him. They're having some conversations with his agents. Let's see if they will decide to proceed with an official bid at the moment it's not a direct negotiation yet."

Investing in the future

As well as claiming the Magpies have identified Fresneda as a target for this month, Romano hailed the transfer strategy of the Newcastle owners over the previous two transfer windows.

Newcastle have spent sufficiently over the first two windows with PIF at the helm, however, they have only made one signing worth over £40m in the addition of Alexander Isak.

And although they have still made some significant signings over £30m, considering the wealth of their owners, Newcastle have approached the transfer windows with a reserved approach given the financial backing behind them.

And it seems as if this summer could be an opportunity for Howe to bring in some young players who will provide Newcastle with quality for the future.

Although Kieran Trippier has that spot at right-back nailed down, it has to be said, Newcastle could probably do with more quality from the bench to back up the England international.

Currently, Javier Manquillo is Howe's option from the bench at right-back with Emil Krafth currently sidelined through a long-term injury picked up last year.

However, the Spaniard's contract at Newcastle is set to run out at the end of the next campaign and Krafth has been unable to provide anywhere near the return Trippier has in front of goal during his time on Tyneside.

And although Fresneda has just eight la Liga appearances to his name, it is apparent he is one to watch for the future with Romano clearly holding hue expectations for what Fresneda could become.