Newcastle United are interested in Everton star Gerard Deulofeu – who Rafa Benitez once wanted at Liverpool.
Rafa Benitez has his sights set on signing Everton attacker Gerard Deulofeu, according to the Chronicle.
While the paper’s report admits Newcastle United’s aim of signing the Spaniard is a long shot, their interest is unsurprising.
That is because Benitez is a long term admirer of Deulofeu, and by that we mean dating back eight years.
Gerard Deulofeu scores the second goal for Everton
Benitez was reportedly keen on signing the Spaniard in his final season as Liverpool manager, when the youngster was a teenage prodigy at Barcelona.
The Mail reported in 2009 reported Benitez had been tracking Deulofeu for several months, with the forward just 14-years-old at the time.
Barcelona were extremely reluctant to let the young talent go, with their faith seemingly justified when he won the UEFA under-19 Championship’s Golden Player award in 2012 as he led Spain to the trophy.
Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu in action with Sunderland’s Jan Kirchhoff
Unfortunately the striker’s progress at star-studded Barcelona was blocked by Lionel Messi, and he since joined Benitez’s old Merseyside rivals Everton in search of first team football.
Deulofeu has not yet developed into the world beater he was touted to be, but he is still remarkably only 22-years-old.
Time is on his side, and under Benitez’s tutelage he could blossom, with the manager clearly a big admirer and believer in his talent.
Newcastle’s chances of signing Deulofeu would be dramatically improved in the summer if they clinch promotion back to the Premier League, and increased revenue means they can offer more in terms of a transfer fee and wages towards a deal.
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