Newcastle United are in the hunt to sign Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico ahead of the transfer window re-opening next month, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claims that the in-form 26-year-old is high on Rafa Benitez’s list of defensive targets going into the January window, as well as Paris Saint-Germain’s Stanley N’Soki and Real Betis’ Junior Firpo.
It is understood that Benitez wants four new players in total next month, with a No 10 and a new left-back like Tagliafico his priorities.
Good move for Newcastle?
Tagliafico has been in very, very good form for Ajax in recent weeks.
The Dutch giants have managed to qualify from their Champions League group without suffering a defeat and the Argentina international has scored three goals for them in that competition, including one against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
He has also been in top form in domestic competitions, supplying three assists and scoring once in his last five Eredivise appearances.
Tagliafico would be one of the first names on the teamsheet at St James’ Park if Benitez can sign him next month.
This is Futbol rating 10/10
Likely to happen?
Unless Mike Ashley is prepared to let Benitez spend a lot of money on Tagliafico then the chances of signing him are very low.
The former Independiente is bound to attract major attention thanks to his marauding performances at left-back in the Champions League this season and that will drive up Ajax’s valuation of the player.
Newcastle really don’t have a chance.
This is Futbol rating 1/10