Mike Ashley could be prepared to spend a seven-figure loan fee worth £4.5million for Newcastle United to sign Atletico Madrid winger Gelson Martins, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claimed via their live transfer blog on Wednesday [08:58am] that Arsenal and Monaco are also interested in signing the 23-year-old, but a “late surge” from Rafa Benitez could see the Magpies strike a deal.
Martins has made just one start in La Liga since Atletico signed the Portugal international in the summer after he cancelled his contract with Sporting CP.
Good move for Newcastle?
At this stage, any signing would be a good signing for Newcastle, but in truth, Martins will be an excellent addition to Benitez’s squad at St James’ Park.
The ex-Sporting CP winger has an abundance of pace, has great experience in top-flight football and possesses an end-product.
He is also versatile enough to play on both the left and right wings, as well as up front as a centre-forward if Benitez wants to try something different.
Martins would walk into Newcastle’s starting line-up, and that is what Benitez wants from new signings.
Although it would just be a loan deal until the end of the season, judging by this report, it would still be a very good deal for the Magpies as they look to avoid relegation.
This is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on Ashley.
The Sun reports that the controversial Newcastle owner could be happy to spend £4.5million on signing Martins on loan, but there is always the chance that he could pull the plug and tell Benitez that his squad is good enough as it is.
This is Futbol rating 5/10