Newcastle United are in the market for a left-back but have they already got a good option?
Rafael Benitez admitted this week that he could sign a left-back for Newcastle United in the January transfer window, speaking to The Chronicle.
Paul Dummett has been out with injury since the first weekend of the Premier League and although he is due back next month it seems like the Spanish manager is considering bolstering that position regardless.
But should he?
Benitez has given Chancel Mbemba, Jesus Gamez and Javier Manquillo chances there but the former has shown most promise.
Mbemba, an £8.5 million signing over two years ago, is traditionally a centre-back but the former Anderlecht ace has looked relatively solid in that left-back role and Benitez should consider whether he could be the man to rival Dummett.
He doesn’t get a look-in at centre-back due to the impressive Jamal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark, so you wonder if the former Liverpool boss should continue to play him there until Dummett returns and let him fight for his place back.
Mbemba has been excellent defensively but has left a little to be desired going forward. Still, it’s a very new role for him and there is little to suggest he couldn’t improve this aspect.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
