Jonjo Shelvey has been in inspired form for The Magpies this season, but he could find his place under threat.
Newcastle United sent scouts to watch Mexican international midfielder Hector Herrera in action for FC Porto at the weekend, The Chronicle, citing A Bola, reports.
The box-to-box midfielder has been one of the Portuguese giant’s standout players in recent seasons, with his box-to-box energy and impressive distribution impressing both domestically and in the Champions League.
And Rafael Benitez could be keen on reinforcing his midfield with one of the best Mexican footballers of recent generations, although a move is likely to depend on whether Newcastle manage to cement their promotion back to the Premier League this season.
26-year-old Herrera was a major target for Napoli during the Spaniard’s spell in charge, Football Italia reports, and, now that Benitez has been given a primary say in the club’s recruitment, it would be no surprise if the Championship leaders made the midfielder a priority in upcoming transfer markets.
Goal, citing A Bola, claimed recently that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was also running the rule over a player who’s release clause is set at a hefty £35 million, though the prospect of fighting with Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Georginio Wijnaldum and co for a central role may mean Newcastle have an advantage due to being able to guarantee first-team football.
Porto are renowned for being able to secure huge figures for their prized assets, with Eliaquim Mangala, Hulk, Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and co all departing for monstrous figures in recent years.
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