OPINION
Rafa Benitez would solve his centre-back crisis at Newcastle by joining the race to sign Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho with less than a fortnight left in the summer transfer window.
Sky Sports Transfer Centre claimed (Friday, 4.37pm) that the 27-year-old stopper is currently interesting Premier League side West Brom this summer, who are keen to add defender to their squad.
It is said that the Baggies could fail in a bid to sign the France international despite their interest, with Liverpool’s valuation of the player and his wages said to be a stumbling block.
Sakho has been ostracised by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp after a bust-up between the two during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of America in 2016.
It is likely to force the former Paris Saint-Germain defender out of Anfield, with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan above him in the pecking order.
Newcastle desperately need to add a new centre-back to their squad after new signing Florian Lejeune suffered a foot injury in Sunday’s clash defeat to Tottenham.
The former Eibar defender was on the receiving end of a robust tackle from Spurs striker Harry Kane, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side secured a 2-0 win.
Paul Dummett also suffered a hamstring injury, and central defender Ciaran Clark is likely cover him at left-back.
That leaves just Chancel Mbemba and Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the Toon defence, with Grant Hanley likely to be overlooked as he is expected to leave St. James’ Park before the end of the summer window.
Sakho showed while on loan with Crystal Palace last season just how effective he can be in the Premier League, helping the Eagles win five of his eight appearances and keeping four clean sheets in Palace’s miraculous top-flight survival.
Offering pace at the back, the defender has seemingly removed his proneness to a lapse in concentration and is now the perfect all-round centre-back.
Sakho has strength in abundance and an aerial prowess that is more than proven in the top flight of English football.
Adding that to Newcastle’s fight against relegation this season, Benitez would provide the Toon with the missing ingredient in their battle to avoid the drop if he can beat West Brom to Sakho’s signature.