Newcastle United are pushing to sign Velez Sarsfield wonderkid Maximo Perrone.

The Velez midfielder has impressed this season in the defensive midfield role and has been the bright spark for the 26th-placed side in the Primera Division.

The 19-year-old's good form has attracted the interest of Newcastle, who have opened negotiations over a £12million deal with his club, says Diario Popular.

The report suggests that the midfielder has a clause in his contract worth £7.8m, but an agreement between the club and player not to increase it means Newcastle will have to negotiate a higher fee.

This agreement has likely come into place as Perrone's contract with Velez is set to expire at the end of 2023.

Despite only playing 33 games in the top division in Argentina, he is very highly rated, as Newcastle are believed to be willing to match the £12m demands.