OPINION
Signing a left-back may be more of a priority to Newcastle United this month – especially as their proposed deal for Jordan Lukaku fell through – but that should not rule out swoops to strengthen other positions.
In that case, they should plot an audacious swoop for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Thomas Meunier.
According to Telefoot, Everton are keen on signing the 29-year-old, but it is the Magpies who should blow them away and snap him up for themselves.
Yes, they do have a quality right-back in the shape of DeAndre Yedlin, but there is no quality competition for him at St James’ Park, which is actually rather concerning.
Javier Manquillo is there, but the times he has filled in for the full-back role suggests that he is not up to the challenge of seriously providing some competition for Yedlin.
When Yedlin is injured, who does Benitez turn to? Manquillo of course – and that cannot simply be allowed to happen any longer.
Meunuer is an experienced right-back who has the ability to strengthen Newcastle’s defence considerably, so they must go all out to try and sign him, as he can help assure them of safety from relegation this season.
The defender has 36 appearances for Belgium, which is quite the achievement – and just the experience the manager needs right now.
Newcastle would have a formidable back four with the potential addition of Meunier, so the Spaniard must plot the swoop as soon as possible.
He is as versatile as he is experienced, as he is also able to play in the midfield if need be, something which Benitez would be particularly impressed by.
Meunier is clearly a top-quality player who’d do well at the Magpies and make Benitez happy to have him as he has looked good in his four outings in the Champions League this season.
Newcastle have nothing to lose in pursuing the Champions League ace, as he could make the fans rejoice once again.