Newcastle United are interested in Alex Grimaldo and contact has now been made with the Benfica star’s representatives.
That’s according to Spanish newspaper AS, who claim that Grimaldo is attracting major interest.
Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Fulham are understood to have made approaches to Grimaldo’s agents – and so have Newcastle.
Atletico Madrid could yet make their move too, with Tottenham loanee Sergio Reguilon unlikely to be staying.
Grimaldo is out of contract this summer and can leave Benfica for absolutely nothing.
That makes Grimaldo one of the most appealing left backs on the market and Newcastle appear to be moving in for him.
Alex Grimaldo could be Newcastle alternative to Kieran Tierney
Recent rumours suggest that Newcastle are placing a real focus on the left back position this summer.
Dan Burn has been playing there this season but is more of a centre back by trade, whilst Matt Targett has suffered injury problems.
That means Newcastle may be in the market for a more natural left back option for the foreseeable future.
The most popular name so far is Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney.
The Northern Echo report that Newcastle have made Tierney their top target for the summer window.
Yet with Arsenal likely to command at least £25million for Tierney, Newcastle would be wise to look at other options.
Grimaldo makes sense in that regard given that he will be a free agent this summer.
The former Barcelona talent has proven his attacking ability, smashing five goals and 11 assists from left back this season.
Last term, Grimaldo hit six goals and nine assists, so Newcastle can expect an attacking threat from the Spaniard if they do go and sign him.
Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has told Record that he thinks Grimaldo is ‘extraordinary’ – and it looks like Newcastle may just agree.
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