Newcastle should rival Napoli for West Ham defender Masuaku

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Newcastle must add to their squad in January with Rafa Benitez likely to be backed.

It has been reported that Rafa Benitez will finally be given money to spend at Newcastle United in the January transfer window, with the Toon set to receive a windfall of Premier League cash.

The Evening Chronicle claim Newcastle are due a “sizeable chunk” of the centralised prize pot in England’s top tier, and that is expected to be enough to fund Benitez’s transfer dealings in the winter window.

A central midfielder and a striker are likely to be high on Benitez’s shortlist, but a left-back should also be one of the Spaniard’s priorities with Paul Dummett’s hamstring injury highlighting the need for a left-sided defender.

It has seen Ciaran Clark play at left-back away from his natural centre-back position, while Javier Manquillo has also been forced to play on the left side despite being right-footed.

A left-back is needed, and that should see Benitez turn his attentions towards in-demand West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku, who could be allowed to leave the London Stadium in January.

The Frenchman’s agent Francesco Lingenti told CalcioNapoli24 that his client is interesting Napoli, as well as suggesting that Juventus and Genoa were also monitoring the 24-year-old.

But Benitez should throw his hat into the ring to rival former side Napoli, with Lingenti claiming the former Olympiakos ace would cost nine to 10 million euros, or between £8.2million and £8.9million.

Masuaku has been forced to wait for his chance, with England international Aaron Cresswell preferred to him. However, he has impressed on occasion this season, laying on two assists in his six appearances.

Adding speed, a willingness to get forward but also the intelligence that has come from playing under Cresswell, Masuaku would be the perfect addition to the Toon’s squad at a reasonable price.