Newcastle United will set their sights on either Sheffield Wednesday’s Tom Lees or Middlesbrough centre back Daniel Ayala if they fail with an improved offer for Blackburn captain Grant Hanley, according to the Northern Echo.
The Magpies have had two bids of £3.5million and £4.5million rejected by Rovers and it is believed that they will have to up their bid by at least another £1million if they want to land the 24 year old.
Rafa Benitez has made it known that the club lack depth at centre half with Jamaal Lascelles and Cherno Mbemba the only two recognised centre backs currently in the squad with Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor departing on free transfers.
Benitez brought Ayala to England as a youngster when he was Liverpool manager but the defender failed to make the grade an Anfield. It is believed the Toon Army would face competition from Everton and is rated at £15million by Boro. The more likely alternative to Hanley is Wednesday’s Lees who performed impressively under Carlos Carvahal as his club reached the playoffs last season.
