Report: Newcastle and Fulham want three-time Premier League winner Gary Neville called ‘aggressive’

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Newcastle United and Fulham are keen on veteran defender Rafael da Silva, according to The Sun (6 September, page 63), with the Lyon ace eyeing a return to the Premier League.

With funds often hard to come by at the Magpies, manager Steve Bruce appears to have adopted a ‘low risk’ approach to the transfer market this summer.

Newcastle have already brought in Jeff Hendrick on a free with Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Callum Wilson, a trio of proven, top-flight performers, expected to be wearing the famous black-and-white stripes next season.

While Rafael hasn’t played a Premier League game since he was dumped by Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old Brazilian would fit Bruce’s brief.

Once Manchester United’s first-choice right-back, the three time league champion has fallen behind Leo Dubois and Kenny Tete in Lyon’s pecking order.

He made just one appearance as Rudi Garcia’s side shocked the continent en route to the Champions League semi-finals, sitting on the bench during those famous triumphs over Manchester City and Juventus.

The Sun claims newly promoted Fulham are also watching the situation closely as Rafael pushes for a return to Britain, although the Cottagers appear to be closing in on another right-back – Torino’s former Chelsea youngster Ola Aina.

“I thought when I left that Rafael da Silva was perfect as a Manchester United full-back,” former United team-mate Gary Neville said in 2019.

“He was tenacious, aggressive, decent on the ball.”