Scouts from Newcastle United have been to watch Valencia winger David Otorbi, according to Diego Picó of Spanish outlet Marca.

Picó says that representatives from Newcastle were in the stands to “spy” on Otorbi during Valencia’s game at Racing Santander earlier this month.

The La Liga game finished 2-2, and Picó claims that the scouts’ impression of the 19-year-old was “excellent”.

Scouts Impressed By Otorbi

Otorbi came through Valencia’s youth ranks and was their youngest ever debutant in January 2024, when he came on as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Cartagena in the Copa del Rey.

This season he has made 10 appearances in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, scoring one goal – which came in the game against Racing.

He renewed his contract in April this year, and it will keep him at the Mestalla until 2028.

Picó claims that Otorbi wowed the Newcastle scouts with his performance in the game at Racing.

He came on in the 58^th minute and scored in the 65^th, a real poacher’s goal from the edge of the six-yard box.

He nearly got an assist too, but striker Hugo Duro blazed his shot over the bar.

Otorbi was in a running battle with Santander left-back, and his tenacity is said to have impressed the watching scouts.

“Significant Interest” From the Premier League

Otorbi’s agent, Nacho Gallert, claims that there has been “significant interest” in his client from Premier League clubs.

In an interview with Marca, Gallert said: “He’s a player with a lot of market value, and always has been.

“In recent weeks, we’ve received calls from quite a few clubs. Its true that many clubs have called us, especially from the Premier League.”

But Gallert admitted that a move is not a priority for Otorbi, who is happy to “continue learning” in Spain.

“We are very happy in Valencia and for the moment our only objective is to continue learning, continue adding to our experience and help the team if the manager deems it appropriate.

“We want it to be slow. We believe that’s what’s necessary and we don’t want to rush.”

Vital Football’s Opinion

You know that the football journos are short on news when stories like this come out. This smacks of an agent laying the groundwork for a move further down the line for his client.

But Newcastle will be in the market for a right winger sooner rather than later. Jacob Murphy will probably leave the club over the next couple of seasons, leaving Anthony Elanga as the only senior right winger.

Otorbi fits the profile of the player Newcastle want, but it would be surprising if they moved for him in January. Other areas, like centre-half, should be the priority.

But this might be one to watch in the future.