Newcastle lead Manchester United and Real Madrid in the race for £8million Hajduk Split ace Karlo Letica

NEWCASTLE lead the race to sign Croatia’s £8million-rated Under-21 goalkeeper Karlo Letica.

Toon boss Rafa Benitez sent his top spy to watch the 6ft 7ins giant in action for Hajduk Split last week.

Letica, 21, wants first-team football if he moves to England after snubbing advances from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

But Benitez does not think he is ready to start immediately and may loan him to a Championship side.

It could come down to whether Newcastle need to spend on players who would go straight into the side.

Meanwhile, Benitez is eyeing up a sensational swoop for Barcelona star Andres Iniesta this summer.

Iniesta, 33, emotionally revealed he was leaving the La Liga giants this summer during a press conference on Friday.

The 124-cap Spain international was expected to move to the Chinese Super League... but Benitez has now opened the door for a stunning move to St James' Park.

BARC-ING MAD? Newcastle eyeing up sensational swoop for Barcelona star Andres Iniesta this summer

Benitez said: “Along with so many great names, he was one of Barcelona’s key players.

“He is a great player, a nice person, and I hope he does well in his career. Maybe he could come here?”