From Spain: PIF readying big-money move to bring 'outstanding' dribbling supremo to Newcastle

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make a move to sign Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco, according to a report from Spanish outlet AS. 

Following the appointment of Eddie Howe and an influx of players in January, Newcastle enjoyed a superb second half of the 2021/22 season, and it will be intriguing to see who comes through the doors at St James’ Park this summer.

Whilst a revolutionary overhaul isn’t expected to take place in on Tyneside, the levels of recruitment and expectancy will likely go up a notch after the arrival of transfer chief Dan Ashworth from Brighton.

One man who could be on the radar for the Toon is Belgium international Carrasco, and it appears that PIF are ready to spend big to get him…

As per AS, Newcastle are ‘willing’ to meet the €60m (£51m) release clause in the 28-year-old’s contract.

With Carrasco cited as one of the ‘mainstays’ in Diego Simeone’s plans, the report added that the Tyneside club have ‘put his name on the table’ ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

However, amidst the interest, it’s claimed that the man who was lauded by journalist Josh Bunting for an ‘absolutely outstanding’ start to the 2020/21 season is ‘happy’ at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Carrasco scored six times and provided seven assists in 44 outings in 2021/22, earning an impressive 7.09 Sofascore rating whilst winning five duels, completing 2.6 successful dribbles and making 1.6 key passes per La Liga game in the process.

Capable of operating on either wing and at centre-forward, the 55-cap Belgian would provide additional versatility, whilst he would be an upgrade on Newcastle’s current options given that only two Magpies players exceeded his Sofascore rating this season. Therefore, the former AS Monaco man