Newcastle United are believed to be plotting to sign Real Valladolid sensation Ivan Fresneda, albeit with the Magpies set to face competition for the defender's signature.

What's the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Tynesiders are reportedly one of the clubs who are keeping tabs on the 18-year-old at present, having seemingly made contact regarding a potential January swoop for the young Spaniard.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer guru stated: "Newcastle, Juventus and also Borussia Dortmund are in the race for talented right back Iván Fresneda, as reported last week. NUFC are exploring new right back options and already had first contacts for Fresneda."

This follows a report from the Daily Mail which named the northeast side - as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal - as potential suitors for the teenager, with an asking price of around £10m having been mooted.

It remains to be seen whether such an offer for would lead to the La Liga outfit sanctioning a sale, however, with the promising full-back said to have a release clause of around €30m (£26m) in his existing contract.

'Superb' signing

It would appear that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his right-back ranks, with the Englishman plotting to secure a suitable, long-term heir to 32-year-old maestro, Kieran Trippier, in that position.

Turning to Fresneda could well represent a real coup for the St James' Park hierarchy, with the dynamic defender having already made a strong impression in recent times in his embryonic senior career.

That is evidenced by the fact that the eye-catching youngster - who has made eight appearances in all competitions so far this term - ranks in the top 1% in Europe among those in his position for tackles made as well as in the top 2% for clearances made to illustrate his defensive prowess.

The 6-foot starlet was particularly impressive in the recent clash with European champions Real Madrid in the Spanish top-flight, having produced a "superb" performance up against Brazilian menace, Vinicius Jr, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Fresneda showcased just why he is regarded as "one of the most talented teenage right-backs in Europe" - according to Kulig - having won ten of his 15 ground duels on the day, including eight tackles, as well as recording a respectable 7.2 match rating, as per Sofascore.

While there may be improvements to make in an attacking sense - as he lost possession on 14 occasions against Los Blancos - the one-time Madrid youth product has previously been lauded for his "beastly ability" to deliver quality service from the flanks, in the words of journalist Juan Arriota.

That all-round package should well make the Spain U19 international a potential star of the future, with it set to prove a 'superb' addition if Howe can coax him to England this month.