Newcastle United are believed to be keeping tabs on Espanyol defender Adria Pedrosa, although they could face competition from another Premier League club.
What's the word?
That's according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, with both the Magpies and Brighton and Hove Albion said to be interested in the 24-year-old, who has just a year remaining on his existing deal in Catalonia.
The report suggests that the Spaniard - who is set to cost in the region of €8m (£7m) if he is to depart this summer - could potentially be an option for the Seagulls as they look to replace Chelsea-bound defender Marc Cucurella.
The Tynesiders will be hoping that they can win that battle to supplement their other summer defensive recruits, having already brought in fellow left-back Matt Targett, along with goalkeeper Nick Pope and towering central defender Sven Botman.
Imagine him and Botman
Previously dubbed a "talent" by journalist Andy West, Pedrosa has shone for his current club in recent years, notably helping the Barcelona-based side to promotion from the second tier during the 2020/21 campaign after bagging a goal and five assists in 32 league games.
Last term saw the £8.1m-rated ace continue to impress following the step up to the top level, providing one goal and one assist in 31 league games, most notably chipping in with 2.8 clearances and 1.9 tackles per match to illustrate his defensive prowess.
The £16k-per-week menace also compares favourably to those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, ranking in the top 9% for clearances made and in the top 12% for dribbles completed, showcasing his willingness to get forward from his left-sided berth.
Also comfortable in a more advanced role on the left flank, the 5 foot 8 ace has proven to be a hugely reliable figure for Espanyol over the last few seasons, with the 24-year-old providing 20 goal contributions in 113 senior games for the club thus far.
His prospective arrival could also see the formation of an impressive defensive pairing alongside the aforementioned Botman, with the 6 foot 4 Dutchman likely to line up in a left-sided centre-back role this season under Eddie Howe.
The highly-coveted 22-year-old was a huge coup for Newcastle this summer, having caught the eye with solid displays for Lille last season, averaging 4.5 clearances, one tackle and one interception per game from his 25 Ligue 1 outings while also winning 66% of his total duels.
An imposing, colossal figure at the back, the former Ajax brute is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, having averaged an 88% pass accuracy rate last term - a record far superior to the likes of Dan Burn (80%), Fabian Schar (70%) and Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles (75%).
With Botman's elegance in possession paired with Pedrosa's dribbling ability and willingness to attack, Howe could have the makings of a classy partnership on the left-hand side of his defence this season, should a deal be struck for the Espanyol gem.