Newcastle United are one of a number of Premier League clubs who have been scouting Cruz Azul winger Orbelin Pineda ahead of a potential January transfer move, as reported by 90min.com.
The Magpies are reportedly set to alter their transfer approach during the forthcoming transfer window and revert to bringing in younger players with greater potential sell-on value, per The Northern Echo. That comes despite Steve Bruce having made progress by bringing in proven Premier League players in the summer.
Pineda has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Mexican football over recent years, with the 24-year-old having turned down the chance to move to Manchester City back in 2016. The winger has since gone onto win 21 caps for Mexico and develop his game with Cruz Azul following a £10m switch from Guadalajara.
It is thought that the 24-year-old is open to a move to Europe and that has alerted a number of Premier League clubs to his potential situation. The likes of Newcastle, Wolves, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton, Southampton and West Ham have all been tracking the winger, as per 90min.com.
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A move for Pineda would definitely fit in with Mike Ashley’s aim to revert to signing unknown quantities who have the potential to develop with the Magpies. The 24-year-old is clearly a very talented winger and he has averaged 0.7 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.5 successful dribbles for Cruz Azul so far this term (Sofascore).
It seems like Newcastle would need to act swiftly to secure his signature, given the level of interest shown by other Premier League clubs. However, considering he rejected Manchester City in 2016, it could potentially mean he would be focusing on moving to a club who could guarantee him regular minutes.
Therefore, if Bruce can convince him he would get game-time at St James’ Park then the Magpies might be able to secure his signature. It would be an exciting addition considering he has been tipped to sign for a ‘great European club’ by his former manager Matias Almeyda.
