Newcastle United could revive their interest in Leighton Baines and launch a hunt to sign the Everton left-back in January, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
The newspaper claims that the Magpies are hopeful of signing a new left-back in January to add competition for Paul Dummett, who is the only natural left-back in Rafa Benitez’s first team squad.
And it is understood that Everton’s Baines, 33, could be eyed up by Newcastle, who according to the Mirror, were interested in signing him in the summer transfer window.
Good move for Newcastle?
Baines has not been at his best for Everton over the last couple of seasons and if Newcastle were to sign him, it’s unlikely that he would be able to play regularly due to continual injury issues.
Statistic website Spotrac reports that the former Wigan left-back is earning £70,000-a-week on his deal at Goodison Park, which is probably too much for Newcastle to match for someone who may not even be able to play regularly due to his fitness issues.
Two or three years ago this would have been an amazing signing but not now.
Benitez should look elsewhere.
This is Futbol rating 4/10
Likely to happen?
Baines is still part of Marco Silva’s plans at Goodison Park as he is second-choice left-back behind Lucas Digne.
Everton would more than likely need to sign a new left-back if the ex-England international was sold in January, but what would be the point when Baines is an ideal back-up solution for Digne?
It’s really hard to see the Toffees wanting to let Baines go on a cut-price deal, and even if they did, Newcastle could be put off by his wage demands.
This is Futbol rating 2/10