Newcastle seek another Ayoze Perez in Spain national team target
Published:
After shelling out £5.7m for Xisco back in 2008, only for the ex-Deportivo La Coruna striker to deliver one goal in nine Premier League appearances over a five-year stay on the club’s books, you could understand if Newcastle were hesitant to sign another Spaniard.
But that all changed the minute Ayoze Perez arrived at the club to little or no fanfare.
It truth, however, the €2m acquisition was an impressive one for the Magpies, who beat off interest
from the likes of Real Madrid and Benfica to get their man.
The Toon have been rewarded too, with the 21-year-old scoring five times already this season in a debut campaign that has seen the former Tenerife forward thrown in at the deep-end.
With the goals coming against the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool too, Ayoze looks to be a player with a bright Premier League future.
Manchester City certainly seem impressed, with the Sky Blues linked with a potential bid for the Spanish sensation.
Little wonder then that those behind the scenes at Newcastle are turning their attentions to La Liga and the Segunda Liga.
Back in January, The Chronicle reported on how Newcastle were pursuing Racing Santander forward David Concha and Sporting Gijon defender Jorge Mere.
Now another name can be added to their list of potential Spanish additions: Juanmi Jimenez.
Due to turn out for Spain against Holland in a friendly encounter later today, the 21-year-old has impressed in La Liga this season, scoring the winner in Malaga’s 1-0 victory over Barcelona.
A product of the club’s youth academy, Juanmi became Malaga’s youngster ever goalscorer after netting in a Copa del Rey clash with Getafe at the age of just 16.
Now older and a little wiser, a goal against the Oranje could see the youngster making his way to St James’ Park to line-up alongside Ayoze Perez.
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