Newcastle lead race to sign Liverpool-target Alan Varela

Fraser Fletcher

• 10 Jan 2023 12:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Boca Juniors wonderkid Alan Varela is being chased by a number of Premier League clubs - with Newcastle leading the charge - FootballTransfers can confirm.

The Argentine central midfielder is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in South America and has been linked with a host of top European clubs in recent months.

FootballTransfers has learned that Newcastle are keen on the 21-year-old and have had early conversations about signing the player.

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Who else wants to sign Varela?

Liverpool and Brighton have also been looking at Varela, who is a defensive midfielder with impressive stamina and heart.

Boca Juniors are looking for around £15 million in terms of a transfer fee for Varela.

The midfielder has spent his whole career at Boca and is a product of the academy. He had made a total of 76 appearances and picked up four trophies.

His contract runs until 2026 and Boca want to cash in on their star man if the right offer arrives.

It is expected that official offers will soon be received from the Premier League.

Newcastle are leading the charge as things stand and a first formal bid is expected soon but they must act quickly as they will face competition for his signature.

The Premier League side are keen to add to their options in the middle of the park and deals such as this one represent an opportunity to sign young talent without overspending and risking falling foul of FFP.

Varela has been tracked for over a year by various clubs in Europe - and has also been heavily linked to Barcelona - but as of now a Premier League move in the near future appears likely.