Newcastle United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid star Renan Lodi – and he was the unexpected hero against Manchester United on Tuesday.
Atletico made the trip to Old Trafford having drawn the first leg in Spain 1-1 last month.
Diego Simeone’s men live for knockout football and produced another masterclass to dump United of the Champions League.
Lodi bagged the only goal of the game, heading home at the back post from an Antoine Griezmann cross.
With Anthony Elanga not tracking back and Diogo Dalot pre-occupied, wing back Lodi was able to ghost in and head past David De Gea.
Atletico saw out the game brilliantly, frustrating United as they have with many other clubs over the years.
Atletico can now look forward to a spot in the last eight as they eye another deep Champions League run, and Newcastle scouts may well have been watching.
Newcastle are believed to be keen on signing match-winner Lodi at the end of the season.
Mundo Deportivo reported in January that Newcastle were willing to pay £33million for Lodi, but a late deal before the transfer deadline always seemed unlikely.
A summer move makes more sense from Atletico’s perspective, and Newcastle may well be interested.
Matt Targett is shining on loan at Newcastle and looks likely to join permanently from Aston Villa, but Lodi’s ability to play further forward could appeal to Eddie Howe.
The Brazilian is excelling in a more advanced role under Diego Simeone of late, and Newcastle may see him as a winger as well as being able to play at left back.
Marca have dubbed Lodi an ‘unexpected hero’ after his goal against United, crediting him as the reason Atletico have advanced into the last eight.
Targeting a big Champions League player won’t be easy for Newcastle, but they must have been impressed with Lodi’s display on Tuesday night and have the kind of money that could tempt Atletico into a deal.
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