Everton and Newcastle United are keen to snap up Villarreal B winger Ivan Alejo in the summer, according to Spanish daily Marca, after being impressed with his displays in the Premier League International Cup.
The 21-year-old, who joined the Yellow Submarine from Altetico Madrid’s B team last summer, has scored one goal in 15 league appearances in the present campaign.
Celtic and Queens Park Rangers were also interested in signing Alejo at the beginning of the season, but the youngster decided to stay in Spain and chose Villarreal B.
On the other hand, Everton boss Roberto Martinez is a long-time admirer of Alejo, whom he tried to sign two seasons ago as well, whilst the youngster was at Atletico Madrid.
Besides Everton and Newcastle United, FC Porto are also in the race to rope in the highly-rated Spaniard.
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Both Everton and Newcastle were impressed with Alejo's performances in the Premier League International Cup, a competition the Yellow Submarine won.
Alejo, whose present contract with Villarreal runs until 2018, has represented Spain up to Under-19 level.
The starlet played alongside the likes of Munir, Hector Bellerin and Adama Traore amongst others while representing Spain in the Under-19 European Championship qualifiers in 2014.
