Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Spanish attacker Marco Asensio amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old's current deal at Bernabeu is due to expire next June, and a number of clubs have been credited with an interest in his services.
Manchester United, AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona are among a whole host of major European teams believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation in the Spanish capital.
According to Calciomercato, there is also genuine interest from Newcastle, with the Magpies looking to use their financial power to secure his signature.
As it stands, Asensio will be free to hold talks with foreign clubs at the turn of the year, although Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that he could yet extend his stay at Bernabeu.
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Asensio came off the bench to score in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Elche in La Liga on Wednesday, and after the match, Ancelotti said that there would be talks over his future after the 2022 World Cup.
"He has always showed that he can play and he'll have more minutes in the future. We'll speak about his contract after the World Cup," the Italian told reporters.
Asensio has made 10 appearances for Real Madrid during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing two goals, including a strike against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
The Spain international is down the pecking order in terms of the forward positions, though, and he has not been included in the starting XI in any of his 10 outings this term.
Asensio was strongly linked with a move away from Bernabeu over the summer but ultimately remained with the Spanish and European champions.
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Newcastle are also believed to be keen to sign Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic when the January transfer window opens for business.
The club's recent takeover has now placed them in a position to compete for some of the biggest names in world football, and they secured the signings of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Nick Pope over the summer.
Eddie Howe's side are unbeaten in the Premier League since the end of August, winning three of their last four league fixtures during a strong run of form.
The Magpies will enter Sunday's clash with Tottenham Hotspur in North London off the back of a 1-0 success over Everton at St James' Park on Wednesday, with Miguel Almiron netting the only goal of the contest.
Matt Law
