Rafa in the race for Luiz
NEWCASTLE are shock contenders to sign Chelsea defender David Luiz.
Arsenal head the pack chasing the out-of-favour Brazilian centre-back, who has had a bust-up with boss Antonio Conte.
Juventus and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 30-year-old.
But Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has a good relationship with Luiz, having managed him during his stint in charge of Chelsea five years ago.
If the Blues don’t want to sell, Benitez believes a deal could be struck to loan Luiz for the second half of the season.
With takeover uncertainty hanging over Newcastle, Benitez does not know how much money he will have to spend next month.
That’s why he is looking into the possibility of loan signings, with Liverpool striker Danny Ings another on his shopping list.
Benitez aims to bring in four players in January, including a new keeper.
The Spaniard is enduring the worst run of his managerial career, with the Geordies picking up just one point out of 27.
Last week’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal saw them tumble into the relegation zone for the first time since August.
Newcastle’s next two games are at revitalised West Ham on Saturday before the visit of allconquering Manchester City next Wednesday.