The Manchester United left-back is the calibre of player Rafa Benitez should now be targeting.
With the future of Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw in doubt, it is no surprise the bookies have drawn up a list of potential destinations, but Newcastle United fans may be interested to note that Ladbrokes ranks the Magpies as 4/1 third favourites to sign the England international this summer.
That is behind joint 3/1 favourites Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, and if Newcastle want to challenge at the top end of the Premier League sooner rather than later, they would be wise to make their move.
Jose Mourinho is never going to sell to City, while Tottenham currently have two of the best left-backs in the league in the form of Danny Rose and Ben Davies, leaving Newcastle as a sensible option if Shaw does leave Old Trafford this summer.
Currently side-lined with an ankle injury, the United man has struggled for minutes under Mourinho and is lacking confidence as a result.
If he continues to be overlooked when he is ready to return, he should seriously consider his future, and Newcastle could offer him the perfect sanctuary.
While the Magpies have Paul Dummett, a fully fit and firing Shaw is a considerable upgrade.
Given how the 25-year-old has played at Newcastle this season there may be some fans who feel it would be unfair to cast him aside in favour of Shaw, but if Rafa Benitez wants to get his club challenging for trophies, the former Southampton man is the calibre of player he should be targeting.
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