Newcastle United are in the hunt to sign Young Boys left-back Loris Benito who could head to St James’ Park in a free transfer in the summer transfer window, according to a report from The Sun.
Rafa Benitez, if he stays on, will be keen on signing a new left-back this summer, with January signing Antonio Barreca failing to establish himself in Newcastle’s first team since a January loan move from AS Monaco, and the Spaniard has reportedly turned his attentions to Benito.
Benito has been in impressive form in the Swiss top flight this season, and the in-demand 27-year-old featured in the Swiss sides Champions League encounters with Manchester United in the Group Stages of the competition earlier in the season.
Newcastle could reportedly face competition for Benito, whose contract expires soon, with the likes of Watford, Burnley, Inter Milan and Bordeaux all expressing an interest in the Swiss defender.
OPINION
Newcastle United have had an issue in the left-back position at times this season, which was evidenced by the club’s decision to sign Antonio Barecca on loan from AS Monaco in January. However, that signing has not paid off for the Magpies, with the Italian making just a handful of first team of appearances at St James’ Park and failing to impress in those limited appearances. Benitez has at times this season elected to play three central defenders and use Matt Ritchie and DeAndre Yedlin as wing-backs to compensate for Newcastle’s problems at left-back. A move for Loris Benito would be welcome, with the Swiss having plenty of experience and demonstrating his qualities in the Champions League with Young Boys this season. Bringing in key signings in positions that Benitez feels he needs to strengthen will be key for Newcastle to convince the Spaniard to commit his long-term future to the club.
