Newcastle United are reportedly interested in the Spaniard.
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the manner in which he has gone about his business during his time in charge at St James’ Park.
He has managed to ignore outside influences, and guide his side to an impressive start to their 2017/18 campaign.
Newcastle currently sit in seventh position in the Premier League table, just two points adrift of the Champions League spots, and the Toon army are now expecting an exciting campaign ahead for their team.
Rafa will certainly still want to strengthen his options in January, however, and the International Business Times reported yesterday that one of his targets is Villarreal ace Alfonso Pedraza.
Alfonso Pedraza in action
The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season in England on loan with Leeds United, but is he good enough for the Tyneside outfit?
He has certainly showcased his ability during his time with Alaves on loan this season, but the versatile left-footer seems to lack a certain cutting edge to his game.
Pedraza’s final ball is poor, and when he is deployed in the left-wing role, he doesn’t seem to offer enough going forward to justify his position in the final third.
Alfonso Pedraza in action during his time with Leeds
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The Spaniard can also play at left-back, but his positional sense needs a lot of work before it can be classed as even sufficient.
With the intensity and robust nature of the Premier League, it is questionable as to whether Pedraza would be able to adapt to the demands of the game in England.
And Benitez might just be better served in targeting players with more experience of playing in arguably the most competitive league in the world.
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