Newcastle United are believed to have opened talks with Malaga youngster Antonio Cordero over a summer move.

The 18-year-old is already a first-team regular with the Spanish Segunda Division outfit and has four goals and six assists to his name this term. Cordero will be out of contract this summer with Newcastle understood to be eager to make a swoop.

However, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are also in the hunt for the star and the left winger's agent is Pini Zahavi, one of the game's leading super agents. Cordero has already been the subject of negativity from Malaga fans after refusing to sign a contract at La Rosaleda.

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Newcastle could offer him a clearer path to the first-team than La Liga's big two. The Magpies are building a team for the future and have also landed Irish whizzkid Kyle Fitzgerald who arrived at the club this week.

Academy boss Steve Harper said last year: "Look, I could clog up the U18s and U21s with 21-year-old players and compete at the top of Premier League 2 but that’s running it for me and making it results-driven.

"Instead what will be done here, what will be our mantra from now on, is to give opportunities younger. You will notice our U21s team will be 16, 17 and 18 year olds. It will be accelerated learning and they’ll be stretched. There will be some tough experiences along the way, but that is where resilience comes from."

Newcastle have struggled to make cash buys in this window due to the tight PSR rule book. They are looking to keep their powder dry until the summer on major deals.

The Magpies said goodbye to Miguel Almiron this week. The Paraguayan's sale to Atlanta United was confirmed on Thursday with Eddie Howe saying it was the 'right time' for the player and club to part company.

However, that leaves Newcastle short in attacking areas. Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson remain on the treatment table, though there is a hope that both could return to action in February.