Newcastle United are unlikely to swoop for Real Sociedad centre-back Diego Llorente despite a scouting mission this weekend, according to Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh.
As reported on the Chronicle live blog [Monday, 16:29], Waugh revealed that centre-back was not a position of priority for Rafa Benitez in the upcoming January window.
Waugh added that Benitez was well aware of the 25-year-old enforcer from their time together at Real Madrid, but described a January swoop for the 6ft 1in ace [Transfermarkt] as ‘highly unlikely’ despite a scout attending Spain v Bosnia on Sunday.
It is added that efforts are being focused on the recruitment of a left-back, attacking midfielder, and a centre-forward.
OPINION
It is not really a surprise to hear that Newcastle are unlikely to actually make a move for Llorente in January, with centre-back being probably their best-stocked position. Rafa Benitez has captain Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez, Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark available to him in that area, and most definitely does not need to waste money or time on a new centre-half. Left-back is likely to be a huge priority, as reported by Waugh, while the Magpies attack also needs some serious reinforcement in the upcoming window. Benitez’s side are really struggling in front of goal this season, and that needs to change soon if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight. Summer signing Salomon Rondon is now getting amongst the goals, but the Venezuela international is not known for his huge numbers, and the Magpies cannot merely rely on him for the whole campaign. A new striker is therefore much needed.