Newcastle are reportedly battling to sign Charleroi’s Clinton Mata.
According to Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure, Newcastle United are in the race to sign Charleroi ace Clinton Mata – but face stern competition for his signature.
The Magpies have won promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship title, and will hope to re-establish themselves as a top flight club under Rafael Benitez’s tutelage.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle confirmed their first signing of the summer earlier today, with winger Christian Atsu penning a permanent deal from Chelsea after a decent loan stay at St. James’ Park, and more additions will be needed.
Right back is one area where Newcastle may need reinforcements, as whilst DeAndre Yedlin looks safe, Vurnon Anita is out of contract this summer, and Jesus Gamez has struggled to make an impact since arriving last summer.
Blackburn Rovers’ Liam Feeney (L) in action with Newcastle United’s Jesus Gamez
Now, Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure report that Newcastle are one of a number of teams interested in signing Charleroi star Clinton Mata this summer.
Mata, 24, joined Charleroi from Eupen back in 2014, and has become one of the top right backs in Belgium, even playing further forward at times where he can use his pace to cause problems in attack.
Newcastle United’s DeAndre Yedlin in action
The Angolan international, who has six caps for his country, now looks set to leave Charleroi having starred in Belgium, with a host of clubs interested as well as Newcastle.
It’s claimed that Genk and Gent both want to keep Mata in Belgium, as do Anderlecht, but Newcastle will battle with Champions League sides Feyenoord and Nice for Mata’s signature, with Marseille also in the race – meaning that Newcastle face a real battle to land their man this summer.
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