Newcastle beat Real Madrid & Barcelona to Spanish prodigy

Newcastle United have won the race to sign Malaga winger Antonio Cordero this summer, it has been revealed.

The 18-year-old is out of contract with the Spanish second tier side this summer and has rejected several offers of an extension ahead of sealing a move away from Malaga, who are locked in a relegation battle.

Reports of interest from Newcastle emerged back in January but Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been credited with interest, with the Catalan giants even thought to have held an advantage due to their close ties with Cordero's agent, Pini Zahavi.

Cordero, a Spain Under-19 international, is enjoying a breakout year with Malaga, racking up five goals and six assists for the struggling side after scoring the goal which sealed their promotion back to the second division last season.

Newcastle have been impressed by his potential but, according to Craig Hope, do not currently see Cordero as a player capable of making an immediate impact at St James' Park. Instead, a loan move is expected for the young forward.

Left-wing is not currently an area of concern for Newcastle, who have Anthony Gordon as their starter and Harvey Barnes as reliable cover, but the former is of interest to Arsenal and was the subject of a failed move from Liverpool last summer.

Newcastle have no desire to part ways with Gordon but much could depend on their financial situation, which may well be dictated by whether Eddie Howe's side manage to qualify for the Champions League.

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