Reports in Argentina have suggested that Newcastle have made a £16 Million offer for Boca Juniors midfielder, Alan Varela. The 19-year-old has attracted interest from a host of European clubs since bursting onto the scene in his native land, but Newcastle have supposedly stolen a march on their rivals according to D Sports Radio. [via DailyMail]
Spanish giants, Barcelona, are another team reported to be interested in Varela, who has been compared to current Barca legend, Sergio Busquets. With Busquets coming toward the end of his career at Camp Nou, it would be no surprise if the Catalan side were to make a move for the impressive Argentinian.
Newcastle are also on the hunt for a defensive midfielder owing to Jonjo Shelvey’s recent injury, with Eddie Howe admitting that his squad is currently short on options in that area of the field. At 19 years old, Varela fits the bill, and if a price of £16 Million is to be believed – he could prove to be an absolute bargain for the Magpies.
Incredibly, for his age, Varela has already made 76 appearances for Boca Juniors, including 21 this season. He has been described as a cultured, tough-tackling defensive midfielder, with a hard-working mentality, and great passing range.
You would think that playing with fellow South American, Bruno Guimaraes, would be of huge benefit to Varela, which, in turn, would benefit the club both now and in the future.