OPINION
With Matt Ritchie filling in on the left hand side of defence against Burnley on Monday night, it is quite clear that Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez could well do with another option to fill the gaping void.
With Paul Dummett out injured the Spanish manager chose to spring a surprise against the Clarets and use the right winger in a makeshift role, Ciaran Clark slotting into a central back three to bolster the defence.
However, he would not have had to try experimenting with new tactics had he had a natural left sided defender – which is why he needs to jump on a reported Premier League hunt for Young Boys full back Loris Benito.
The Sun claim on their website that a whole host of top flight sides, including Watford and Burnley, are going to scout the 26-year-old in his side’s Champions League game against Manchester United on Tuesday – a match which the Toon Army would hope their club has a scout at.
Now the Magpies know their budget for January – if they have one at all – is going to be tight, which is why Benito makes the perfect signing for them.
Said to be out of contract at the end of the season, he is likely to be up for sale at a bargain price at the Swiss side to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.
A bargain left back with Champions League and international experience?
It ticks every single box for the Magpies – which is why they must get a deal done ahead of their rivals.