OPINION
It has been widely documented that Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is targeting a left-back in the January transfer window to provide cover for Paul Dummett.
The Spaniard tried and failed to recruit one in the last transfer window, so he has undoubtedly made it one of the club’s number one priorities when it opens.
One player he must look to in order to end his woes at left-back is Stoke City’s Erik Pieters, who the Chronicle report as desperate to be given the chance to join a club in the Premier League after dropping into the second tier last season.
Being relegated to the Championship is not a fun time for any one, so it is no surprise that the defensive powerhouse wants to bounce back into the top-flight – and Newcastle is the club to provide that.
He has been widely criticised, but it is not like he is going to usurp Dummett as first-choice if he did end up making the move to St James’ Park.
In fact, having a player with his wealth of Premier League experience could be just what the Magpies need to ensure themselves of adequate cover.
He is more than likely to be within United’s price range with whatever budget Mike Ashley lumbers Benitez with.
Some may view it as just signing any old left-back, but swooping for the Championship star is just what Newcastle need at the moment.
Seeming as Pieters is so keen to return to the top-flight, it is highly unlikely that he is going to be fussed about being Benitez’ second choice.
Achraf Lazaar is most definitely not up to standard any more, and given his lack of experience playing Premier League football, he will be demoted further down the pecking order.
This is the perfect opportunity for Pieters to go and prove his doubters wrong – and Benitez must plot a raid in January to end the side’s woes.
