Newcastle United may have done much of their business under Eddie Howe in the domestic market but the ambitious Premier League outfit are not averse to looking a little further afield.
A case in point.
Back in April, HITC reported that Newcastle United were watching two of the rising talents of South American football.
Nicolas Valentini, a left-footed central defender who could potentially step in for the injured Sven Botman at St James’ Park, is out of contract later this year and appears to have little interest in extending his stay at Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
“A negotiation was held and an agreement could not be reached (with Valentini),” sighs Mauricio ‘Chico’ Serna sighs, Boca’s director of sport.
“There are some (negotiations) that are much easier. There are others that are more complex. Now, it is on standby.
“(Valentini) has a contract with us until December.”
Newcastle United scout Boca Juniors duo
Kevin Zenon, in contrast is under contract until 2028 at La Bombonera. But with a release clause of just £13 million, Boca would be powerless to prevent another prized asset from leaving should Newcastle step up their interest and trigger said clause.
HITC understands that Newcastle have scouted both Valentini and Zenon on a number of occasions. Argentine publication Lt10 back up those claims, adding that Eddie Howe’s side had representatives in the stands during Boca’s 3-2 Superclasico win over bitter rivals River Plate in the spring.
Zenon, a versatile central midfielder who can also play on the wing and at left-back, only joined Boca Juniors in January. His former coach at Union Santa Fe, however, insists that the 22-year-old will have few reservations about making the move to Europe should the opportunity present itself earlier than expected.
“He is learning English, with a private teacher,” Marcelo Andrade tells Infobae. “At Union, we always instil in the kids to study English and French. It is very important in every aspect, because you don’t know what your future will be like.
“His next goal is to play in Europe. He is clear about his objectives and what he wants. His mind is very strong and he is very clear about everything. After Boca, comes one more step, which is Europe.
“He always knew that in Boca the shirt was not going to weigh him down. And that was the case.”
Kevin Zenon has his sights fixed on Europe move
Newcastle may have some of the most deep-pocketed backers in football but, even before they were held back by Financial Fair Play rules, the Tynesiders were showing an interest in making young, hungry and affordable up-and-comers like Kevin Zenon the cornerstone of their project.
A highly intelligent and tactically adaptable footballer, the Argentina under 23 international has made a big impact at Boca Juniors due to his ability to find pockets of space and cut through opposition midfields.
“Kevin gives us superiority,” Boca coach Diego Martinez explains. “(Zenon allows us) to be able to receive (the ball) between the lines, and also the (ability to) break.
“He generates very good expectations for us.”
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