OPINION
Rafa Benitez is reportedly set to use his connections at La Liga champions Real Madrid in order to reinforce Newcastle’s bid to avoid Premier League relegation next season.
The Evening Chronicle claim Benitez has asked about the possibility of bringing a number of players way down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, as he grows frustrated at the Toon’s lack of transfer activity.
It is believed that the Toon are interested in signing Kiko Casilla, after missing out on Willy Caballero and Pep Reina, with Benitez keen to improve his options in between the sticks.
Newcastle have made just one summer signing so far, completing a permanent move to sign Chelsea winger Christian Atsu after he played an important part in Newcastle’s promotion-winning campaign.
Benitez, 57, worked at Real Madrid for just six months, joining the Spanish giants in June 2015 before being axed just half a year later in January 2016 but still has contacts that he can use to improve the Toon.
This Is Futbol considers three Real Madrid fringe players or exciting young talents that could play an important part in helping the Magpies steer clear of a Premier League relegation dogfight come May 2018.
Here are those three players, including one who scored five goals for Real last season: