Newcastle United were among a host of sides who launched a scouting mission to watch Porto winger Yacine Brahimi on Monday as his contract heads into its final six months, according to journalist Aaron Stokes.
The Daily Star reporter claims on his personal Twitter account that the Magpies were in attendance to keep close tabs on the 28-year-old alongside the likes of Premier League rivals Everton and Southampton, the Algerian international set to be available for a free transfer this summer as his contract comes to an end.
#NUFC scouts were in attendance to watch Porto star Yacine Brahimi last night. The winger scored twice in a 3-1 win against Nacional. Everton, Southampton, Norwich and a number of European clubs also sent scouts to watch the player.
— Aaron Stokes (@AaronJStokes) January 8, 2019
Brahimi, a 45 cap Algerian international, has played 25 times this season, including five appearances in the Champions League group stages, and has scored seven goals with a further six assists under his belt.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Magpies’ wingers have let their side down this season and so it should come as no surprise to see Rafael Benitez tracking Brahimi, not least because of his contract status.
The only way Newcastle are going to get anyone half decent through the door at St James’ Park this month is if they are up for a cut price deal and that is exactly what the case with the Algerian will be.
Benitez might have the likes of Kenedy, Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy already competing for a role but other than the Ghanaian, they have been woeful of late.
A much needed signing this.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
The fact that there is more than one club linked with his capture makes this an unlikely swoop for the Magpies.
Newcastle are never going to engage in a bidding war with another side and as such the Toon Army can almost forget about their chances of getting Brahimi over the line.
A sad state of affairs on Tyneside, but the sad truth while Mike Ashley is in charge.
This is Futbol rating: 3.5/10