Newcastle United are understood to have been tracking Spanish Under-20 international Marc Cucurella this season.
Sources in Spain say that United are one of several clubs taking a look at the marauding left-back after a good campaign with Eibar following a season long loan deal from Barcelona.
Eibar have a €2m option on Cucurella but in a complex transfer, Barca will then considering buying him back for €4million this summer before having a look at their next move.
The 20-year-old - who scored against his parent club at the weekend in a 2-2 draw - has also been watched by Sevilla and Real Betis who are keen to lodge a bid for his services this summer.
It's no secret that Rafa Benitez's scouting team in Spain have been targeting a left-back but Cucurella may have other options.
AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund for example have taken a look at the defender in the past.
Newcastle chiefs know they must get Benitez's own situation sorted out first with every day that goes by potentially weakening United's position in the transfer window as other clubs make progress.
Benitez wants at least six first team signings if he stays on at St James' Park.
