Newcastle United is closing in on the signing of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero, beating competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid, Craig Hope of the Daily Mail reported on Monday.

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

Cordero, an U19 international for Spain, has drawn interest from La Liga’s top clubs, but Newcastle has made the move ahead of those Spaniard sides to secure the signature of the Malaga wunderkind.

“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,” Hope reported. “It is thought significant progress has been made in recent days.”

The winger turned 18 in November and has been a key performer for Malaga in Spain’s second division this season.

“By that time he had scored three of his four goals in Spain’s second tier this season,” Hope wrote. “He has made 24 league appearances and started Malaga’s 1–1 draw with Levante on Saturday.”

Mitchell has been focused on adding young talent to Newcastle’s ranks, and this could turn into a coup if the Magpies can truly secure his signing ahead of next season given his upside and potential.

“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. Turkish midfielder Baran Yildiz, 18, is also set to sign from Genclerbirligi,” Hope reported.

Cordero, who primarily plays as a left-winger but is comfortable on both flanks, is expected to join Newcastle on July 1 if terms are finalized. How is