Newcastle United have made a loan offer for Monaco left-back Antonio Barreca, according to reliable journalist Lee Ryder.
The journalist – who covers Newcastle for the Chronicle – revealed via his personal Twitter account that the Magpies have stepped up their previous interest in the 23-year-old by submitting an offer to sign the defender on a temporary basis.
Gianluca di Marzio previously reported that United had set their sights on the 5ft 11in [Transfermarkt] player, who has not been a regular at the Ligue 1 side this season with just nine appearances, one of them coming in the Champions League.
#nufc have also submitted their loan offer for Antonio Barreca of Monaco with sources at the struggling Ligue 1 club confirming United’s interest to us.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 23, 2019
OPINION
Newcastle fans will no doubt be gleaming that their club are one step closer to securing the potential signing of a left-back this month. The position has been crying out for cover for a while, something which has been exposed this season due to the previous injury to Paul Dummett. Yes, the offer may be only on a temporary basis – it remains to be seen whether the club will make any permanent signings in this transfer window – but it will put them in much better stead to have a left-back for the season than not. That being said, Barreca looks a decent player despite not appearing much for Monaco this season, and signing him will give Rafa Benitez the peace of mind he needs to get the team out of the relegation battle. Fingers crossed that this is a move that materialises, as it is one that could really boost the morale of the team, as well as the supporters.
