OPINION
Newcastle United must hijack the reported race to loan Lille right-back Kevin Malcuit as he is exactly the type of player Rafa Benitez needs to add to his squad.
France Football reported on Wednesday that Fulham, West Ham and Celta Vigo had all considered borrowing the 26-year-old right-back with the La Liga side having been in contact by making an enquiry about his service.
It is believed that all three clubs may return to try their luck at attempting to get Malcuit on loan for next season and if there’s any chance a temporary deal can be done that the Magpies must intervene.
Benitez is thought to be working with a modest transfer budget this summer, as reported by Chronicle, and a loan deal would see not a great deal of funds being spent on recruiting Malcuit.
It is also believed that the Spanish manager has made it a priority in this window to welcome a new right-back to the club, as previously stated by Chronicle.
This makes sense as DeAndre Yedlin doesn’t exactly face tough competition when it comes to securing a starting place in Benitez’s side.
Malcuit would easily provide the Magpies’ current right-back option with competition and is more than capable of taking Yedlin’s spot in the first-team.
The 26-year-old had a wonderful season at Lille in his latest campaign as he shone in the 25 appearances he made for the club and managed to register five assists in his outings.
Malcuit is a competent dribbler of the ball, has a good eye when it comes to pass and first and foremost is a reliable defender who works hard for the team.
The right-back’s tackling ability and knack for intercepting the ball would aid the Magpies’ quest to earn clean sheets next season and make them even sturdier at the back.
Therefore the Magpies must hijack the reported hunt to sign Malcuit on loan as he is exactly what Benitez needs at St James Park next season.
