Newcastle United are set to take their Premier League fight onto the transfer market as they look to battle top-flight rivals Burnley for the signature of a highly-rated Spanish midfielder.
The Telegraph states that the two Premier League sides are interested in a January deal for Las Palmas midfielder Jonathan Viera, in a transfer that could be worth around £18m should an agreement be reached.
28-year-old Viera is reportedly available this month as he seeks to bolster his chances of making Spain’s World Cup squad, having made his international debut against Israel last month, and the side currently bottom of La Liga are prepared to do a deal.
The attacking midfielder, who can also play on the left side, is seen by Rafael Benitez as the ideal signing to inject additional creativity to his Newcastle side who have struggled to find the net this season- scoring just 20 times in 22 matches.
Newcastle were linked with a move for Benitez’s compatriot during the summer but Las Palmas, who finished 11th in Spain’s top-flight last season, were reluctant to do a deal. However, with the side from the Canary Islands now struggling, it’s understood that an agreement could be reached.
