Newcasle outpace Madrid and Barca in race for Malaga gem

Cordero, whose contract expires this summer, has recently met with Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell in Tyneside, and sources suggest a pre-contract agreement is imminent. The promising winger has attracted significant attention from major Spanish clubs, but it is the Magpies who have advanced furthest in negotiations.

The teenager, who turned 18 in November, has already netted three goals in Spain's second division this campaign, with a total of four goals across 24 league appearances. Cordero started in Malaga's recent 1-1 draw against Levante, showing his continued potential as a key player for the club.

This move forms part of Newcastle's strategy to strengthen their squad with young talent, following the signings of Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi and Baran Yildiz from Genclerbirligi. The club is expected to loan these players out initially, but Cordero could join the first team as soon as July 1st if the deal is finalised.