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Rafael Benitez once called Alvaro Negredo underrated, should Newcastle United now move?

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez (REUTERS)
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Newcastle United are expected to be extremely active during the summer transfer window.

Middlesbrough's Alvaro Negredo

Back in 2013, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez claimed in the Independent that Alvaro Negredo was one of the stand out players in the Premier League.

Negredo was playing for Manchester City at the time, and his performances caught the eye of the Spanish boss.

Benitez said, when asked to name the best five players in the Premier League over the 2013/14 season: “Another striker who has had less attention but one who I have been impressed when I have seen him is Alvaro Negredo, the Spanish player at Manchester City. He has a very good left foot.”

Of course, since that time, Negredo has now reached the age of 31 – but his showings at Middlesbrough have proven that he still has something to offer.

And, with Benitez a known fan, Newcastle could be tempted to make a bid during the summer transfer window.

Negredo looks likely to leave Valencia in the near future, and Newcastle are believed to be looking for a striker.

Although the Magpies generally target youngsters, if the opportunity arose to bring in Negredo, Benitez could be keen.

The 56-year-old boss is already planning to make additions at Newcastle, and a striker is thought to be on his wishlist.

Negredo has notched six goals and claimed four assists in 26 Premier League appearances for Boro this season, despite being starved of service.

And if Newcastle do bring the experienced forward in, it could be a good addition for the Tynesiders, as they look to improve their forward options.

Middlesbrough's Alvaro Negredo celebrates scoring their first goal