Rafa worried squad could be left short

NEWCASTLE United want to sign an offensive-minded left-sided defender in January to allow Rafa Benitez greater tactical flexibility in his team selection, writes CHRIS WAUGH.

The Magpies have been in the market for another left-back to challenge Paul Dummett for a starting place for more than 18 months.

What is more, the Magpies’ hierarchy admitted during a Fans Forum earlier this season they had tried to sign an “offensive left-back” during the summer and would attempt to do so once again come the new year.

Yet it is understood Benitez not only wants to bring in an additional left-sided defender to provide competition for Dummett but also to allow Newcastle to switch to a three-man backline more seamlessly.

Although United have significant depth at the heart of their defence with five out-and-out centre-backs - as well as Dummett, who can play on the left-hand side of a back three - they do not have a naturally leftsided wing-back option.

DeAndre Yedlin is suited to the role on the right while Javier Manquillo is far more comfortable playing on his natural side.

In recent weeks, when Benitez has shifted to a 5-4-1 formation in defence which switches to more of a 3-4-3 system in attack, Kenedy and Matt Ritchie have had to cover in as wing-backs.

However, ideally the Spaniard would prefer to have a player who is more suited to the left-wingback role - with Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico, Real Betis’ Junior Firpo and Paris Saint-Germain’s Stanley N’Soki just three of the names the Magpies are believed to have considered in recent months.

While Benitez rates Dummett highly, he accepts the Welshman is best utilised in a flat back four, or even potentially as a leftcentre-back, rather than as a leftwing-back, given he is more comfortable defensively particularly at St James’ Park, when the onus will be on Newcastle to attack.