Newcastle have scouted Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez | OneFootball

Newcastle United are interested in signing Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge, according to the Daily Mail.

They are reportedly ‘taking a close look’ at the defender. The 21-year-old has helped the Belgian outfit keep two clean sheets in ten league appearances this term.

The Magpies are not alone in the race, with several English clubs and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest in the Ecuador international.

While Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have forged a solid centre-back partnership, the pair do not have the finest injury records.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are entering the twilight of their careers, and Newcastle need fresh blood in the rearguard.

They are monitoring the youngster who has all the tools to become an elite centre-back. He has already won 14 caps at international level.

Newcastle need to move fast

If Newcastle want to sign Ordonez, January is the moment to act.

The club cannot afford another transfer window spent hesitating while bigger clubs snatch their targets.

It has happened far too often over the past year, with the club losing out because negotiations dragged on and competition intensified.

Moving early would allow them to secure Ordonez now and loan him back to Brugge, giving him continuity while Newcastle lock down a long-term asset.

Waiting until the summer would only invite more bidders, drive up the price, and complicate discussions.

Ordonez’s profile fits exactly what Newcastle need in their next defensive cycle, and striking decisively in January would send a strong message.