OPINION
It was very clear entering the January transfer window that fresh recruits were needed in a number of key positions for Newcastle United.
It was encouraging, then, to see the Magpies linked with a move for AC Milan’s Diego Laxalt on Wednesday. Calcio Mercato claimed that Rafael Benitez’s side have made an inquiry about the player’s availability and will submit a formal bid in due course.
The Uruguay international isn’t a first team regular in terms of the number of minutes he’s played for the Italian giants this season, but he is said to be on good terms with manager Gennaro Gattuso and happy in Milan.
The 25-year-old is a versatile player who can operate at both left back and left midfield, two areas of the pitch that require major surgery for the Magpies.
An injury to Paul Dummett earlier this season made clear the team’s lack of options on the left hand side of the defence, where Dummett is the only natural left back currently in the manager’s plans.
Left midfield has also been a problem position this term. Kenedy has been a major disappointment in his second spell on Tyneside, while Christian Atsu has been an inconsistent, if encouraging of late, presence on that side of the pitch.
Having someone who can play both roles to a high level would be absolutely ideal and that’s clearly what Benitez is thinking with this pursuit.
Laxalt proved himself to be an excellent player for Genoa last season and, while he hasn’t appeared with as much regularity for Milan, he has shown himself to be a reliable weapon for Gattuso’s side.
Benitez needs both competition for Dummett and an upgrade at left midfield – Laxalt provides both. It’s imperative that Newcastle get a deal done here.
