OPINION
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is no doubt hoping for a busy transfer window in January, with a number of positions already set to be reinforced.
Recruiting another right-back should be high on the Spaniard’s wish list, as DeAndre Yedlin is the only quality option that the club have at their disposal at the moment.
Javier Manquillo has deputised in a few matches, but he is not an option who is good enough to challenge first teamer Yedlin all of the time.
This is why the Magpies should move for Olympiacos right-back Omar Elabdellaoui, who the Daily Mail report as being a potential transfer target for Southampton in the New Year.
United need a right-back, so what better opportunity to sign one than by going in for Elabdellaoui?
The 27-year-old could be the answer to all of Benitez’ problems in this position.
He was once part of the Manchester City youth academy before joining Hull City on loan in 2017 – so it is not like he does not have experience of English football.
Elabdellaoui is just the player to provide some healthy competition for Yedlin, who has played almost every game this season.
Signing the Norway international will allow Benitez to rotate the squad a bit more freely than he has been used to, especially in Cup games and when key players like Yedlin are injured.
Benitez simply cannot allow Elabdellaoui to join their fierce relegation rivals in January, so he must pull out all of the stops to ensure he makes the move to St James’ Park instead.
Pouncing for Elabdellaoui is just what Newcastle need to help complete their defensive jigsaw – so Benitez must act swiftly when the window opens in a few days time.