Newcastle United have opened negotiations for AS Roma winger Carles Perez as they look to strengthen their squad this summer.

What's the story?

Steve Bruce's side have had a slow start to the transfer window thus far, but they appear to be ramping up their efforts to sign a new wide player.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti on Twitter: "#Newcastle officially stepped forward for #CarlesPerez . Notified to #Roma an offer from approx €10M: ongoing evaluations."

Better than Almiron

Paraguay international Miguel Almiron endured another difficult season on Tyneside, with just four Premier League goals to his name all year - in fact, he went on a shocking run of form towards the end of the campaign which saw him fail to find the back of the net, or even provide just a single assist, since February 6.

In Perez, they would be getting someone who's just as versatile as Almiron, but crucially, who also has the end product to really make a difference on a consistent basis for the Magpies.

As per WhoScored, in the 2,669 minutes he has played in his professional career thus far, he has contributed seven goals and seven assists, contributing to a goal just over every two games. Compare that to Almiron, who's managed just 11 goals and assists in 6,235 minutes of football for the Magpies - that's a goal contribution once every six games.

Perez's performances in the Europa League last season for semi-finalists Roma paint the biggest picture of just how much potential he has, averaging an impressive 1.6 shots and 1.9 dribbles per match - those numbers are significantly better than what Almiron produced in the Premier League.

The Magpies would be getting a real upgrade on the Paraguayan by signing Perez this summer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign a big Jonjo Shelvey upgrade in this ace...