Newcastle will look to bring two full-backs into the club this summer but only if Rafael Benitez stays on as manager, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
The newspaper says that the Magpies want better options at left-back and right-back to supplement – or replace – their current options.
The report says that right-back DeAndre Yedlin did not impress during the final months of the season, while Javier Manquillo is currently considered as backup to the former.
At left-back, the Chronicle adds that Paul Dummett will be the only such recognised player in the squad after loan signing Antonio Barrerca is sent back to Monaco – although Matt Ritchie can play in a left-wing back role.
Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Jetro Williams told VTBL earlier this week that Newcastle have an interest in him.
OPINION
Newcastle fans will be desperate for Benitez to stay on, not only because of the progress the Magpies have made under the Spaniard, but because so much of the planned transfer business hinges on him staying at St James’ Park. Previous reports have suggested that Benitez has a strong hand in negotiations for Salomon Rondon to be offered a permanent contract following his excellent loan spell from West Brom last season and, if this report is to believed, the addition of two full-backs also hangs in the balance. Magpies fans will dread to think what the squad could look like if Benitez leaves this summer. Not only will Rondon definitely be leaving, but there is the chance Ayoze Perez could also jump ship. What’s more, there is much less chance of Newcastle completing deals for Willems – if they are indeed interested in the Frankfurt full-back – or anyone else for that matter, since there will be less stability if the Spanish boss leaves.