Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United are keen on rising La Liga star Fran Garcia but Rayo Vallecano president Raul Martin Presa insists there are no plans to sell during the January transfer window, speaking to Marca.
Spanish full-backs appear to be all the rage at St James’ Park this month.
Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson was in the stands to watch teen sensation Ivan Fresneda during Real Valladolid’s 2-0 defeat to a Karim Benzema-inspired Madrid in December (Marca).
And, according to the Daily Mail, Fran Garcia is another name for Newcastle fans to keep an eye on this month. The former Spain U21 international has been a revelation in only his second La Liga season.
He has a bargain £9 million release clause in his Vallecano contract (Bernabeu Digital). As such, if Newcastle opt to trigger that clause, Vallecano would be powerless to prevent Garcia’s departure.
Andoni Iraola’s Europe-chasing outfit will not be welcoming any interest from Tyneside or elsewhere, however, as Presa and co look to keep a talented squad together.
Newcastle United like Fran Garcia of La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano
“As of today, they are Rayo Vallecano players,” Presa says of Garcia and the similarly-coveted Alejandro Catena. “Our objective is to achieve survival in the month of May, and we have all the players (to do that).
“We are not thinking of weakening the squad in the winter transfer window. Quite the opposite. (We want to) reinforce it if necessary.
“Fran Garcia is a Rayo Vallecano player.”
23-year-old Garcia has two assists in 15 La Liga starts this term. One of those came in November’s dramatic 3-2 win over former employers Real Madrid. Garcia spent nearly a decade with the 14-time European Champions. After failing to force his way into the first-team, he made the short trip across the Spanish capital in 2021.
Newcastle’s interest comes amid further uncertainty surrounding Jamal Lewis’ future under Eddie Howe. Ryan Fraser could also go amid interest from Premier League strugglers Southampton.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle will face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
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