Almeria midfielder Jose Manuel "Chico" Flores is interesting Newcastle United.

The Sunday Sun says Chico is just 23 and rated as one of Spain's rising stars, attracting interest from around Europe.

Almeria have just turned down a £2.2 million bid for him from Serie A side Genoa, while La Liga rivals Sevilla are also interested.

Having learned his trade in Barcelona's youth set-up, Chico moved to Cadiz and then back on loan to Barcelona's B team before settling at Almeria in 2008 and winning a place in Spain's squad for the 2000 European Under-21 Championship finals.