Newcastle United are believed to be one of the clubs who are keen on signing Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda, with the teenager attracting interest from clubs across Europe at present.
What's the word?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies have been named as one of the suitors who are keeping tabs on the 18-year-old, with competition growing to secure the defender's signature.
Writing on Twitter regarding the Spaniard's future, the transfer guru stated: "Interest growing around Iván Fresneda. Valladolid RB’s attracting Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus as called weeks ago but also more top European clubs have now joined the race.
"Born in 2004, Fresneda’s highly rated waiting for decision on his future."
Reports at the end of last month suggested that the youngster could be available for a fee of around £10m if he is to depart in the current window, amid interest from the Tynesiders, albeit with the right-back having a release clause of closer to £26m.
'Shut down' Vinicius Jr
The highly-sought gem may well be in the infancy of his senior career having only made 12 first-team outings to date, although the 6 foot starlet has quickly caught the eye as a result of his displays this term.
The promising full-back has made just ten appearances in all competitions in the current campaign thus far, although has laid bare his defensive prowess as he ranks in the top 1% in Europe for tackles made among those in his position, as well as in the top 10% for interceptions.
The combative ace is also able to offer real quality in an attacking sense as he ranks in the top 16% for progressive passes received to illustrate his creative flair, having previously been lauded by journalist Juan Arroita for his "beastly ability" to provide impressive service from the flanks.
Such all-round brilliance has seen Fresneda receive a glowing appraisal from La Liga journalist Matt Clark, who recently stated:
"Iván Fresneda has been one of the revelations of the season so far in La Liga, standing out for newly-promoted Real Valladolid. He is a remarkably complete right back despite his young age, balancing his defensive duties with the odd attack too.
"He has that coveted combination of physicality and technical ability. Tall but agile, quick and athletic, he is also strong in the tackle and reads the game very well for someone so green when it comes to first team football."
Clark also pointed to the defender's recent performance in the narrow defeat to European champions Real Madrid, having "more than matched" his opposite number, Vinicius Jr.
The Madrid-born machine - who was previously part of Los Blancos' academy - simply "shut down" the Brazilian winger, according to Clark, with the £178m-rated dynamo having eventually been replaced late on after failing to get the better of Fresneda.
The latter man proved a real pest for the pacy wideman as he won ten of his 15 ground duels on the night, including eight tackles, having only been dribbled past once as a marker of his defensive resilience.
To be able to thwart arguably one of the "most creative and dangerous players" in the Spanish top-flight, in the words of Clark, is a testament to Fresneda's courage and maturity, with those traits likely to be particularly attractive to the St James' Park outfit.
As Romano alluded to, the list of suitors is now growing as a result of such performances, although Eddie Howe's side must ensure that they are at the front of the queue.