OPINION
Rafa Benitez must elbow fellow Premier League new boys Huddersfield aside and make a late move to lure Barnsley defender Andy Yiadom to Newcastle this summer.
The Daily Mail claimed on Friday morning that the 25-year-old defender was set to complete a £3million move to the John Smith’s Stadium, after the Terriers had a bid accepted for the Ghanaian.
However, the Sun’s transfer expert Alan Nixon claimed on his personal Twitter account that a deal was now “on the rocks” despite the Mail’s report stating that a medical had been booked for Friday.
Yiadom was a stand out performer in Barnsley’s side last season, making 33 appearances throughout the 2016-17 campaign and laying on three assists as well as helping the Tykes keep nine clean sheets.
The defender would have played in more matches for Paul Heckingbottom’s side, but was instead called up to represent Ghana at the African Cup of Nations in January and February.
Newcastle have already completed plenty of new signings this summer in Javier Manquillo, Florian Lejeune, Mikel Merino, Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu.
However, Rafa Benitez still needs to add another right-back to his squad despite the signing of fellow countryman Manquillo, after DeAndre Yedlin was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The USA international is now set to miss Sunday’s clash against Tottenham and is only expected to return towards the end of August.
Twin that with the loss of Vurnon Anita to Championship side Leeds, and a gaping hole on the right side of defence has been made even more obvious at St. James’ Park with Manquillo expected to replace Paul Dummett.
A new right-back is needed then, and Yiadom would be the perfect buy for the Toon as he would be able to form an instant relationship with fellow Ghana national side teammate Atsu on the flank.
At just £3million, the defender is a bargain that owner Mike Ashley will be more than willing to sanction, due to his current contract situation at Oakwell with only one more season remaining on his deal.
Known for his pace, willingness to get forward and his defensive solidarity, the former Barnet defender would be a perfect replacement for Yedlin should the Toon opt to take advantage of the reported collapse in Huddersfield’s deal.