Newcastle’s Premier League rivals Stoke City are looking to lure left-back Paul Dummett to the Britannia Stadium, according to the Evening Chronicle.
The report claims that Mark Hughes’ side are weighing up a move for the 25-year-old defender after carrying out a number of checks on the Wales international throughout the season.
It is believed that the Toon will be unwilling to sell Dummett until they can find a replacement for the Magpies academy product, who was a mainstay of the side during their promotion from the Championship last term.
Dummett has remained first choice at St. James’ Park throughout the season, leaving Achraf Lazaar in the reserves while Massadio Haidara has been sidelined for the majority of the 2016-17 campaign with a knee injury.
Newcastle’s number three made a huge 46 league and cup appearances throughout the campaign, missing just one league game but could now be sold by Benitez as he looks to remould his side this summer.
Stoke could be buoyed in their desire to strike a bargain deal to sign Dummett, with only 12 months remaining on the defender’s current contract at St. James’ Park.
That could see the two sides strike a cut-price deal as Benitez and owner Mike Ashley will not want to lose Dummett on a free transfer next summer.
But it appears that a replacement must be brought to Tyneside first, if any deal between Newcastle and Stoke is to be completed.