Newcastle-linked Reyes is reportedly closing in on a move to French side Bordeaux.
Newcastle United are in danger of losing their grip on Mexican defender Diego Reyes as the Mexican is reportedly closing in on a move to French outfit Bordeaux.
L’Equipe claim the 25-year-old Mexico international is in France to thrash out a deal to sign the centre-back this summer, with Gus Poyet taking a step ahead of Rafa Benitez.
Italian outlet CalcioMercato claimed earlier this week that Newcastle were in talks to sign the 55-time international, but it appears that the defensive rock is now said to be closing in on a move to Bordeaux.
But Benitez must fight for Reyes’ signature right up until the last minute, with the impressive defender’s current contract situation likely to convince owner Mike Ashley that he is worth the outlay.
Reyes saw his contract at FC Porto expire, meaning he would cost nothing as he is a free agent. Ashley’s tight stronghold on the Toon coffers is will renowned, so signing a defender that would require a transfer fee is something the owner wants to avoid.
Signing a player contracted to a club that is of a similar standard to Reyes would certainly see Ashley have to fork out an eight-figure fee.
So if Benitez wants to sign a defender of Reyes’ quality this summer, he simply has to do everything he can to convince the Mexican stopper that he should put pen to paper at Newcastle.
If he fails to do so, Benitez could have to make do with just three centre-backs this summer, after the sale of Chancel Mbemba. The Toon boss simply cannot lose his grip on the impressive Mexican.
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