Mags hoping for two late deadline day signings
Rafa Benitez hopes to sign a centre-half and left-back before today’s transfer deadline – but the deals could go right down to the wire.
The Magpies boss is keen to add defensive resolve to his squad ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’s Park.
Newcastle have been linked with moves for Crystal Palace’s Jairo Riedewald, and Paris St Germain’s Stanley N’Soki with Benitez still having a small kitty to spend before the 5pm deadline.
However, those two leftbacks are unlikely to arrive on Tyneside, leaving Benitez sweating on his options before the deadline.
Paul Dummett is Newcastle’s only recognised left-back, with Achraf Lazaar completely out of favour. Benitez was forced to play Javier Manquillo on the left flank last season when Dummett was injured, and Benitez is desperate to bring in some cover.
The Spaniard knows his squad lack strength in depth in the centre of defence too, especially after Florian Lejeune’s cruciate knee ligament injury.
The centre-half underwent an operation earlier this week, but isn’t expected to be back until the latter stages of the season at best.
Newcastle have already added Fabian Schar to their squad, but the Swiss international was seen as a replacement for Chancel Mbemba, who left for Porto.
They have been linked with a move for Swansea City’s Federico Fernandez, but the Championship club are reported to be holding out for a £10million fee, while United are hoping to strike a loan deal.
The 29-year-old Argentinian international remains a strong option for the Magpies, who are also looking at defenders in France and Spain.