Newcastle United line up loan raid for Real Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente

Newcastle United are looking to sign Real Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente on loan, according to report from Spanish publication AS.

The Spanish news tabloid claims that the Magpies are keen on luring the 23-year-old to the St. James Park from the reigning La Liga champions.

Football News understood that both the Magpies and La Liga sides Deportivo La Coruna are at the front of the queue in the race for the Real’s central midfielder.

The report adds that the Los Blancos would be willing to sanction his loan exit for the second half of the season, but there are reservations from Llorente himself and Real’s boss Zinedine Zidane.

Spanish side Real Betis and Alaves have also been mentioned as interested clubs for the Spaniard. Llorente, a skilled deep-lying playmaker is recognized as a defensive midfielder and has registered 13 senior appearances this season for Madrid, with just six of the appearances coming in from the league.

Marcos Llorente a good move for Newcastle?

Newcastle could do a with a new forward in the remainder of the January window, but if they manage to secure the siginng of the Madrid ace it would be a good move for the club.

The Spaniard is renowned for his good technically ability and superb defensive instincts, which could potentially see him thrive in the Premier League under Rafael Benitez’ tutelage.

Llorente would certainly be a high-profile inclusion and improve Newcastle’s options in midfield, but there should be other options now with little time to spare.

How likely is Marcos Llorente to Newcastle to happen?

It seems unlikely the club will pull off a loan deal for the playmaker, despite the Magpies boss having close links with Ream Madrid.

The combative midfielder looks more likely to join either Real Betis or Alaves if he leaves the Bernabeu and a lot would need to happen in the next 24 hours to see him join Newcastle this January.