Report: Newcastle could launch a double swoop on Boca Juniors for Kevin Zenon and 6'2" defender

Newcastle United's South American scouts have been watching Boca Juniors' Kevin Zenon with a view to a summer move but they have also spotted a centre-back who they feel would be ideal cover for Sven Botman.

Sven Botman won't be seen on the pitch again until the end of this year at the earliest and with Jamaal Lascelles also out for the same amount of time, Newcastle need to find more cover in defence.

Reports have been suggesting that the Magpies will move for free agents Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly whose contracts are set to expire at Fulham and Bournemouth respectively in the summer.

Meanwhile, while running the rule over Argentine winger Kevin Zenon, Newcastle's scouts are now keen on left-sided centre-back Nicolas Valentini according to a report from HITC.

Valentini's contract is set to expire in December

The 23-year-old's contract is due to expire in December and as such Newcastle will be confident they can negotiate a good deal with Boca Juniors that won't cos them the Earth.

Eddie Howe's main aim this summer is to add more players to Newcastle's squad for as little money as possible as Profit and Sustainability rules continue to seriously dampen the club's spending power.

Free agents and players whose contracts are close to expiring could be the way forward for Newcastle to add players of real quality for the lowest possible cost, which could leave the transfer budget available for a statement signing.

Nicolas Valentini has also caught the eye of Inter Milan so Newcastle will have a fight on their hands if they're to make their move in the summer.

Valentini has just been called up to the Argentina senior side

Valentini plays in the same position as Sven Botman and would be the perfect cover for the Dutchman while he recovers form ACL surgery.

In his nine appearances for Boca Juniors this season Valentini has already found the net on one occasion which suggests he could be useful to have in the box during dead-ball situations. He missed the first five games of Boca's season due to being on international duty with Argentina U23s.

He was called up to the Argentina senior side in March but wasn't handed his debut, but he's clearly on the fringes now which is another sign of his potential.

Kevin Zenon has already piqued our interest and now Valentini also looks like he could be a solid signing. We could be about to do a Brighton and unearth a couple of South American gems. Fingers crossed.