Newcastle United are reportedly expecting to sign Antonio Barreca.
According to the Northern Echo, Monaco full back Antonio Barreca is expected to complete a move to Newcastle United before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
The Magpies have endured more transfer window frustration this month, failing to add any new players to Rafael Benitez’s squad despite him clearly needing reinforcements.
A left back has been the top priority, but a deal for Lazio ace Jordan Lukaku fell through on Friday, leaving Benitez to go back to the drawing board.
His target before Lukaku was Monaco’s Barreca, and he looks to be returning to Newcastle’s focus, with The Northern Echo reporting that he is expected to finalise a move shortly.
Barreca, 23, only joined Monaco this past summer, leaving Torino in a deal which saw midfielder Soualiho Meite head in the opposite direction.
The Italian had earned a reputation as a promising, attack-minded full back in Serie A, and his move to Monaco was supposed to give him a platform to take the next step in his career.
However, he has struggled for playing time at Monaco and barely featured at all under Thierry Henry, meaning he hasn’t played for nearly three months.
Newcastle will need Barreca to hit the ground running if he does arrive though, with Benitez finally nearing a deal to give Paul Dummett some real competition at left back.
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