Newcastle are “extremely close” to signing centre-back Diego Reyes, according to CalcioMercato.
The 25-year-old, who left Porto earlier in the summer after his contract expired, is currently without a club and available on a free transfer.
According to CalcioMercato, he was linked with Lazio, but Rafa Benitez has convinced him his future lies at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, the Express claims that West Ham, Brighton and Watford are also interested and that the player will make his decision this week.
If he does sign he would become Newcastle’s fourth signing in a very quiet summer.
Good move for Newcastle?
The jury is out. On the face of it, it seems like a no-brainer. Reyes is 25 and a full Mexico international. He spent five years at Porto after moving in a £6million deal from Mexican club America. However, he’s been shipped out on two loan deal and has only played 47 games for Porto. He’s also reportedly suffering from a hamstring injury and we all know Newcastle’s history in signing injured players, after the Islam Slimani debacle. It all depends on his wages and the contract. If Newcastle can drive a good deal then it could be a brilliant signing. Plenty of clubs seem to be interested in him and that has to be a good sign.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
Reyes will go somewhere. He’s a free agent and he’s in demand, if the latest Express report is true. Newcastle appear to be leading the race, with three other Premier League sides interested so it looks like the ball is in Reyes’ hands. A move to Newcastle would make sense and they need extra cover in that position. He won’t be the striker signing that Newcastle fans are so desperate for, but they will just be glad to get another name in the door, in what’s turning out to be a very worrying summer. Again.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10