Danny Owen
 
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Newcastle United are hoping to sign former Rafael Benitez favourite Faouzi Ghoulam from Serie A giants Napoli in the January transfer window, according to Le Buteur.

It seems that, every four months or so, the Magpies are in the market for a new left-back.

And, despite spending £15 million on Jamal Lewis in September, it seems that a familiar transfer window narrative is unfolding at St James’ Park.

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Lewis has stalled after a strong start and, after he was left out of Steve Bruce’s starting XI for the December clashes with Liverpool and Manchester City, Newcastle are in the market for another left-sided defender.

Brandon Williams, Marcos Rojo and one-time Tyneside favourite Jetro Willems have all been linked.

Now, reports are suggesting that Algeria international Ghoulam is another potential option.

Le Buteur claims that Newcastle have approached the 29-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes, regarding a short-term loan deal, like the one that saw Danny Rose arrive from Tottenham 12 months ago.

Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images

Ghoulam has started just one Serie A match this season and, you’d imagine, would welcome a fresh start away from Napoli.

Wolves were interested over the summer, although the former St Etienne defender missed out on a move to England thanks to his prohibitive £60,000-a-week wages (Pedulla).

“I know what it means to play in the big competitions, playing important games and working with a coach with as good a reputation as (former Newcastle boss) Benitez, who pushes me to improve myself always,” Ghoulam said in 2015.

‘I owe my maturity to him.”

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In other news, Report: Tottenham dealt big injury blow, star could miss whole of February now