Newcastle Readying Bid for Argentina International – Video

Posted on July 27, 2015 by A Sporting Minute in Categories, Transfers, Video // 1 Comment

Newcastle United are reportedly considering an approach for Argentine international midfielder Federico Mancuello, according to reports in Italy.

buenos aires 27sept2014 Independiente y Central juegan, en Avellaneda, el partido correspondiente a la novena fecha del torneo de Primera División. federicomancuello festeja su gol foto gens/telam/dsl

I can hear the collective “Who?” from here, so lets look at the mystery man.

26-year old Mancuello currently plays for Independiente in his native Argentina. He’s spent his entire career with the Buenos Aires club, apart from a loan spell with Belgrano, and has recently been called up to the Argentinian national team under former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, who probably knows a thing or two about talented Argentinians.

Since being called up to the national team in March, he’s made two appearances and scored one goal, with the midfielder expected to feature in Martino’s plans for the forseeable future. His Argentina debut was something to behold as Mancuello, who replaced Di Maria with 17 minutes remaining, stepped up to curl a free kick out towards the corner flag and his looping delivery dropped into the far corner, capping a memorable winning debut.

Mancuello is a central midfielder by trade scoring three goals and adding three assists so far in Argentina’s top flight this year, in just 10 appearances. He has been known to operate down the left flank as well however, sometimes filling in at left back – sound familiar to a beloved Argentinian we all know?

One thing to add as a side note is that he’s also been sent off in his last two consecutive games he has played for Independiente – Against Boca Juniors and Racing Club.

Here is a video of the man himself in action. Judging by the amount of YouTube videos dedicated to him, it seems as though he’s thoroughly loved by Independiente fans.

The links with Newcastle United are tentative at best, but Italian outlet Calcio Mercato claim the Magpies have joined Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United, Sampdoria, and Palermo in the race to sign the Independiente man.

The energetic midfielder is currently valued at just under £3m, but it’s believed that he’ll cost a large amount more than that should he choose to make the move to Europe.

Be sure to check me out on Twitter @SportingMinute.

-Liam