Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign defender Cristian Ramirez from Russian top-flight side Krasnodar, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claims that the Magpies are in desperate need of a left-back before the transfer window slams shut next week after an injury forced Paul Dummett out of action until November.
Left-back Ramirez, 23, has 10 international caps for Ecuador and took part in Krasnodar’s early Europa League qualifiers this summer.
He isn’t the only South American international that Newcastle are keeping tabs on to solve Benitez’s left-back headache with Argentina and Independiente defender Nicolas Tagliafico also said to be on the Tynesiders’ radar.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle need a left-back and preferably someone who is better than Dummett. It’s amazing that Benitez hasn’t looked to improve on the futile full-back until now he has been ruled out with injury as he simply isn’t good enough for a Premier League team. It remains to be seen whether or not Ramirez would be a good addition to the Magpies squad, but with experience at international level and in the European competitions, he should be a better option at left-back.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
If Krasnodar have offered out Ramirez, then it looks likely that he will be leaving them over the course of the next few days. It’s unclear how much they wanted for the Ecuadorian full-back, but Newcastle have limited funds and they will only be drawn into making an offer if it represents good value for money. Benitez has widely reported to want a striker and a goalkeeper all summer and if he is desperate to get in a new left-back, he may have to abandon one of those pursuits.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10