Leeds United winger Alfonso Pedraza would be a smart addition for Newcastle.
Leeds’ Alfonso Pedraza celebrates scoring their third goal
Leeds United failing to win promotion could turn out to be of benefit to Newcastle United.
Newcastle were beaten by Leeds to the signing of Mo Barrow in January, but it is another Whites loanee who they should have their eye on.
Alfonso Pedraza was signed on loan from Spanish side Villarreal in January, and looks to be a terrific prospect.
The Spain under-19 international is lightening quick and his spell at Leeds has helped him acclimatise to English football.
Queens Park Rangers Darnell Furlong and Leeds United’s Alfonso Pedraza
The Mirror’s live transfer feed in January reported that Newcastle were keen on Pedraza, only for Leeds’ assistant Pep Clotet’s connections helping the Whites win the race.
Yet Leeds’ chances of keeping the ambitious young winger rest solely on attaining Premier League football, which remains a gamble.
Spanish newspaper AS reported Leeds would have a mandatory purchase option of £8 million for Pedraza if they win promotion, but without that, other clubs could nip in.
Rafa Benitez has always had an eye for buying Spanish talent and saw 21-year-old Pedraza first hand at St James Park in a 1-1 draw last month.
Signing the talented winger could be hard for him to resist if he becomes available, while Pedraza, who has maintained a desire to play Premier League football, would also find an offer tricky to turn down.
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