Newcastle have made three signings this summer under Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle United’s frustration in the transfer market continues under owner Mike Ashley, as Rafa Benitez struggles to bring his top targets to St. James’ Park – despite making three summer signings.
The Magpies have permanently signed Martin Dubravka while Kenedy rejoins the club on loan, and Ki Sung-yueng has moved north from Swansea City on a free. But The Toon still require a striker, winger and a centre-back.
But perhaps one of the most important positions that requires strengthening is on the left side of defence, despite the presence of Wales international Paul Dummett.
The 26-year-old only managed 20 Premier League appearances last term due to a hamstring injury at the start of the season, with the less than convincing Javier Manquillo slotting in for Dummett during his absence.
Newcastle improved dramatically when Dummett returned to the side, but you are only as strong as your weakest option, so Benitez should be looking at another left-back to add competition for the local lad, rather than have to fall back on the underwhelming Manquillo yet again.
The Daily Mirror claimed on Wednesday (9:11pm) that Fulham were looking to land Southampton left-back Matt Targett for £8million after having him on loan last term, but Newcastle cannot let The Cottagers sign him without a fight.
Indeed, at such a low figure, Targett would be an excellent buy. Benitez is already said to be a fan of the Saints academy product, with Sky Sports reporting on August 2017 deadline day that Newcastle had made a loan approach for Targett.
Targett, 22, remains second choice at Southampton with the Saints boasting Ryan Bertrand on the left side of defence, and it may mean that the England youth international is looking for a move this summer.
Benitez should reignite his reported interest in target and subsequently elbow Fulham aside to obtain Targett for the bargain price of £8million.
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