OPINION
Newcastle United are set up for a strong end to the summer as Rafa Benitez closes in on the signing of Salomon Rondon from West Bromwich Albion.
The Magpies are clearly on the charge in the market amid the impending exit of Aleksander Mitrovic, which is set to bring in around £20million in funds for Benitez to spend.
Once their striker concerns are fixed, attention will inevitably turn to other areas of the pitch that need strengthening ahead of the new season.
One of those positions is at wing-back, with Paul Dummett and DeAndre Yedlin needing support at left and right-back respectively.
According to the Mirror, Newcastle are showing interest in a move for Everton left-back Leighton Baines, who is set to be replaced at Goodison Park by Barcelona ace Lucas Digne.
While Baines is most certainly past his peak, the 33-year-old veteran defender still has a lot to offer in the Premier League, and would be a shrewd signing for the Magpies.
Baines’ Premier League experience, which spans over 400 games, would be priceless for Newcastle next season as they look to climb the table.
His set-piece delivery is also a huge asset, and that would bring countless goals and goalscoring opportunities for the Magpies next term.
With Baines looking to be on the way out at his boyhood club, the former England international is unlikely to cost Newcastle much if they were to swoop this summer.
Signing Baines would be a cheap way for Benitez to bolster his defensive options in wide areas while also bringing in some much-needed experience to his squad.
Newcastle must now move to make this switch happen in the days before the window shuts, with their chances of improving upon last season greatly increased if it does.
