NEWCASTLE are set to announce Spanish whizkid Antonio Cordero as their first summer signing.
SunSport revealed in January that the winger, 18, would reject a contract extension at Malaga to join the Magpies on a free.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Porto held talks with Cordero but he has opted for a five-year deal at St James’ Park.
Malaga confirmed last night the teen — who hit six goals in Spain’s second tier this season — will leave on June 30.
Newcastle have held talks with ex-Madrid executive David Hopkinson about taking over as CEO from Darren Eales, who is stepping down due to ill health.
Cordero’s family visited the North East earlier this year ahead of his proposed move to Tyneside.
It’s understood that Newcastle could initially loan him out to continue his development away from the glare of the Prem.
Ajax have been listed as a potential destination for the teenager next season.
Cordero, who will turn 19 in November, played 40 times for Malaga this season, with 39 of those games in the league.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have checked on 19-year old Rennes centre back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal who has starred for Morocco U20s.
Boudlal is yet to make his senior debut for Rennes and spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 2 Amiens.
Eddie Howe’s side are also interested in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Mbeumo has reportedly said he would prefer a move to Manchester United, with Arsenal also linked.
Newcastle earned a place in next season’s Champions League on the final day, but could lose goalkeeper Nick Pope to Leeds.
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