OPINION
Rafa Benitez is reportedly one of three sides said to be interested in signing Genoa winger Diego Laxalt as the Spanish boss looks to press on with his transfer activity at Newcastle.
Sky Sports Italy transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio claimed on his official website that a new suitor was monitoring Laxalt’s situation at Genoa in Newcastle, as Laxalt looks increasingly likely to leave the Italian side.
It is said that Atalanta are also interested in signing the three-way Uruguay international this summer, while Fiorentina could also be keen after tracking the player for a while.
The 24-year-old is contracted to Genoa until June 2018 and could be allowed to leave the Serie A outfit as part of a cut-price deal.
Newcastle have already brought in two new wingers this summer in Jacob Murphy for £12million from Norwich, while Christian Atsu has joined the club on a permanent basis from Chelsea.
Here, This Is Futbol considers whether a move to sign Laxalt would benefit Newcastle, and if a deal is likely to occur between Newcastle and Genoa for the winger:
Good move for Newcastle?
After losing Yoann Gouffran and Sammy Ameobi this summer, Benitez needs to add depth to his side in order to boost his fight against Premier League relegation, despite already signing Atsu and Ritchie.
Owner Mike Ashley is much more likely to sanction a deal for a player that is available as part of a cut-price deal, after already spending more than £30million this summer.
Laxalt, who is known for his explosive pace and low centre of gravity, would be the perfect example of just that as Genoa could be looking to offload him on the cheap in order to avoid losing him on a free next summer.
Proven in the top tier of Italian football, the Genoa winger would shine on Tyneside and if he can be lured to St. James’ Park for around £7million this summer then the Toon would secure a bargain.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
Laxalt looks likely to leave Genoa this summer with all three sides chasing his signature, after the Italian outfit completed two summer deals for new wingers.
Ricardo Centurión joins the club from Brazilian giants Sao Paulo for £4.5million, while Genoa have also secured a deal to sign Banfield’s Thomas Rodriguez, pushing Laxalt down the pecking order.
Laxalt may be tempted to test himself in the Premier League with the Toon in need of creativity in the final third.
Adding the winger to his options out wide, Benitez would be able to choose from four proven top-tier wingers and that will be crucial in helping Newcastle avoid the drop. Laxalt can be the man to supply Dwight Gayle with the ammunition needed to find the back of the net.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.