Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly keen on a reunion with Chelsea centre-back David Luiz at St James’ Park this January.
The Newcastle United fans were not the only ones who would have been hoping for new owners at St James’ Park this month. Magpies manager Rafa Benitez did not exactly hide his frustration after missing out on the majority of his top transfer targets this summer, with owner Mike Ashley seemingly unwilling to back his coach with funds.
And the same story could be about to happen this month, too. According to the Shields Gazette, Benitez was planning a stunning move to bring David Luiz to Newcastle on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
The Spaniard knows the poodle-haired centre-back well from his brief time in charge at Stamford Bridge in 2012/13, telling The Mail that the often derided Luiz had ‘world class’ ability.
And with the buccaneering Brazilian falling out of favour at Chelsea in recent months- although Blues manager Antonio Conte has attributed his lack of game time to an ongoing injury – Newcastle were hoping to take advantage with one of the season’s most eye-catching moves.
But as Sky Sports’ reporter Keith Downie told the Transfer Talk podcast (6th January), the move is unlikely to happen with Benitez unsure of his January budget.
“He’s looked at David Luiz this window,” Downie said, while also confirming Newcastle’s interest in Liverpool striking duo Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings.
“He’d like to bring him on loan until the end of the window but there’s no chance of that happening. For one they can’t afford it and two he hasn’t even been told the budget.”
Although Luiz would only be a temporary signing, his wages would probably make him immediately the highest earner in Newcastle’s squad.
So until Ashley leaves St James’ Park, it seems Benitez will have to be content with sifting through the bargain bucket.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
