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Report: Rafael Benitez wants new centre-back at Newcastle United, may switch to three-man defence

Rafael Benitez Manager (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is hoping to bolster his defensive options this summer.

Rafael Benitez Manager

The Chronicle claim that Rafael Benitez wants the flexibility to switch to a three-at-back formation at Newcastle United next season.

Benitez had to play the entirety of this campaign with a flat-back four, but would like to use a system which incorporates three central-defenders next season.

The variants of the 3-5-2 formation have become very popular in the Premier League.

Newcastle United's Spanish manager Rafael Benitez smiles after winning the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-...

And Benitez is eyeing up a new centre-back, as he wants to increase his options in the heart of his defence.

Benitez wants at least four central defenders at Newcastle to ensure he has enough numbers to play with a three-man backline.

Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on May 13, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Newcastle are hoping to keep hold of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune.

However, Benitez may well sell Chancel Mbemba, with the powerful centre-back looking most likely to move to Anderlecht, according to reports.