Newcastle United are in the hunt to sign Akhmat Grozny full-back Milad Mohammadi this month, according to Football Insider.
The reliable site claim the Premier League giants have stepped up their interest in the left-sided flyer after watching him in Asia Cup action for Iran this month.
Football Insider report Mohammadi is out of contract at Russian Premier League outfit Akhmat Grozny next summer and Newcastle are aiming to blow Rangers and Celtic out of the water to get him.
Good move for Celtic?
Mohammadi ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle as they look to bring in quality cover for injured first-choice left-back Paul Dummett. Rafael Benitez has been forced to use right-footed Javier Manquillo on the left side of defence in recent games and a more orthodox option is needed for the relegation-threatened giants. The left-back has no British experience, but he has thrived in the game’s biggest global tournament, has 25 Iran caps and been a mainstay of the Akmat Grozy side again this season. Aged 25, he is approaching his peak and has the added advantage of being able to operate in a left-sided midfield role. The Iranian could be a shrewd squad addition for Newcastle this month.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle may be the Premier League paupers but they have the financial resources to make sure Rangers and their Glasgow rivals are left lagging behind in the Mohammadi race. Mike Ashley is never one to sanction a transfer if he can keep his money in his pocket, but he may enjoy blowing Rangers out of the water.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10