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Report: Newcastle eye bargain move for Loris Benito

Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United applauds the crowd after the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. Jame...
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Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez reportedly wants to sign Loris Benito this summer.

Loris Benito of BSC Young Boys during the Group H match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester United and BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford on November 27, 2018 in Manchester, United...

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is interested in signing Young Boys defender Loris Benito on a free transfer in the summer, according to a report from The Sun.

Benitez’s future at St James’ Park remains a talking point with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. But the Spaniard appears to be making some plans in case he sticks around and signs a new deal.

The Sun reports that Young Boys ace Benito is one of his targets, with the 27-year-old set to be available on a free transfer with his own contract in Switzerland expiring in the coming weeks.

Benito has played 27 times in the league this term as well as six times in the Champions League, including against Juventus and Manchester United.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Newcastle United at the American Express Community Stadium, Brighton and Hove on...

The former Benfica man is predominantly a left-back, but is also capable of playing at centre-back or further down the line. However, with Matt Ritchie filling in as cover for Paul Dummett for much of the season, you would imagine that Benitez would like to use Benito in his favoured position.

The Sun adds that Watford and Burnley have both been monitoring the out-of-contract ace and could rival Newcastle for his signature. But if Benitez sticks around, you could understand if Benito’s preference was to head to Tyneside if offered the chance.

Loris Benito of Young Boys during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Valencia FC and  Young Boys at Mestalla Stadium on November 7, 2018 in Valencia, Spain