• Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Malaga youngster Antonio Cordero
  • Spanish giants Barcelona and Real have been credited with an interest 
  • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is there an agenda against Ange Postecoglou?

By CRAIG HOPE and SIMON JONES

Newcastle are set to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the signing of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero.

Mail Sport understands the 18-year-old and his representatives have now held talks with sporting director Paul Mitchell after visiting Tyneside.

And there is fresh confidence that will see the Magpies seal the deal by agreeing a pre-contract agreement with Cordero, who is a free agent in the summer.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real have been credited with an interest in the Under-19 international, but it is Newcastle who have made their move. It is thought significant progress has been made in recent days.

Cordero only turned 18 in November, by which time he had scored three of his four goals in Spain’s second tier this season. 

He has made 24 league appearances and started Malaga’s 1-1 draw with Levante on Saturday.

Newcastle are set to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid in race to sign Malaga’s Antonio Cordero

The 18-year-old and his representatives have now held talks with the Magpies recently

The 18-year-old and his representatives have now held talks with the Magpies recently

Mitchell wants to add a layer of talent beneath first-team level and has already secured the signing of Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi. 

He will join when turning 18 in August. Turkish midfielder Baran Yildiz, 18, is also set to sign from Genclerbirligi.

It is likely these additions will be loaned out during their first season at Newcastle, with head of strategic partnerships Jack Ross tasked with finding suitable clubs.

But there is much excitement around Cordero, who has operated mainly from the left-wing but is comfortable on both flanks. If terms are agreed, he would join the club on July 1.

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Newcastle set to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the signing of 18-year -old Malaga starlet Antonio Cordero this summer

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