Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to be keeping tabs on Mallorca starlet, Kang-in Lee, according to reports in Spain.
What's the word?
As per Marca (via Sports Witness), the Magpies are said to be one of the clubs who are keen on signing the 21-year-old, although the northeast side will seemingly face competition from both Aston Villa and Burnley in the race for the South Korea international.
The report suggests that the La Liga outfit would require the youngster's €17m (£15m) release clause to be met if they are to part ways any time soon, with that figure said to be 'perfectly acceptable' as far as the Tynesiders are concerned.
Although no offers have yet been lodged for the ten-cap sensation - who arrived on a free transfer from Valencia back in 2021 - the suggestion is that the player's current side are fearful that he could be snapped up sooner rather than later.
Almiron 2.0
The 5 foot 8 dynamo has alerted the attention of Ashworth and co as a result of his standout form in recent times, having notably provided six goal contributions in his 16 league outings so far this term.
Such impactful displays have seen the devastating prospect rank in the top 17% in Europe among those in his position for assists, as well as in the top 1% for dribbles completed to illustrate his dynamic brilliance in possession.
The "outstanding" talent, as lauded by Valencia academy director Luis Vicente Mateo, would also offer Eddie Howe invaluable versatility due to his ability to feature on the flanks or in an attacking midfield.
That flexibility - combined with the fact that he is a diminutive, left-footed creative asset - ensures that Lee bares more than a passing resemblance to current St James' Park talisman, Miguel Almiron, with the 5 foot 9 Paraguayan also able to thrive in a central role or in a wide berth.
The 28-year-old menace is currently enjoying a remarkable campaign on both a collective and individual basis thus far, proving simply lethal cutting in off the right flank having scored nine goals in 18 Premier League appearances.
Such a hot streak has ensured that the former Atlanta United man is frankly "unstoppable" at present, as per journalist Chuma Nnoli, with the playmaker proving vital in the club's push for Champions League qualification.
To be able to find their next version of Almiron in the form of the Mallorca ace would represent a real coup for Newcastle, with the onus now on Ashworth to fork out what appears a relative bargain fee for a player of undoubted quality.