Newcastle have scouted Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge | OneFootball

Newcastle United are interested in Joel Ordonez as the Magpies look to bolster their backline.

According to the Daily Mail, “Newcastle have watched Ordonez,” and even though there is nothing concrete at the moment, club scouts are “taking a close look.”

The Newcastle target has caught the eye with his performances for Club Brugge, and he could be on the move this summer, with St James Park a potential landing spot.

The 21-year-old has helped the Belgian outfit keep two clean sheets in ten league appearances this term, winning 69% of his aerial and 46% of his ground duels.

Ordonez has European experience that could prove valuable for Newcastle. He has been solid in the Champions League, recording 80% aerial and 79% ground-duel wins.

However, the Magpies are not alone in the race for his signature, with a host of English clubs and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest in the Ecuador international (14 caps).

While Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have forged a solid centre-back pairing for the Toons, 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.

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

The club cannot afford another window spent hesitating while bigger sides circle and eventually swoop in.

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

Moving early would allow the Magpies 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 the message.

Swoop now, secure him, and skip the haggling.