Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has identified a new right-back as a key priority for the club in the ongoing transfer window, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper report that Benitez wants to bring in “serious competition” on the right side of defence next season, with current incumbent DeAndre Yedlin currently waltzing into the side.
The Chronicle claim that Benitez has begun to draw up a list of potential targets at right-back, with Torino defender Lorenzo De Silvestri a possible option.
It is said that Benitez has been working on Newcastle’s summer plans ever since the season ended, and has not left the country for a holiday yet.
OPINION
It is hardly surprising that Benitez wants to bring in competition for Yedlin, who has had an easy season in terms of his first-team place. To be fair to him, the USA international has shown massive amounts of improvement over the past two seasons, especially on the defensive side of his game. His athleticism and attacking threat have never been in question, but his defensive work has always been slightly suspect, and he has shown a willingness to learn to make these improvements. The likelihood is that the American will still be part of the Magpies first-team next season, with Benitez merely wanting to increase competition for him. That will help Yedlin push his game to the next level, and that will benefit the club massively. Other areas that need addressing are midfield and up front, with the club needing a striker that guarantees them at least 15 goals next season.
