Newcastle were linked with Lala at the start of the January window.
Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Strasbourg right-back Kenny Lala after an exceptional start to the 2018-19 campaign with the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side – but they are set to lose out to Real Betis.
Magazine France Football reported earlier this month that Newcastle are interested in signing the 27-year-old defender, who has scored three goals and created six strikes in assists during his 20 league and cup appearances this season.
Newcastle could be after a right-back with DeAndre Yedlin facing criticism for his recent performances on the right side of the Toon defence. However, Rafa Benitez could be beaten to the signing of Lala.
That is because RMC Sport claim Spanish side Real Betis are ready to pay the required £8million to sign Lala, who has a contract at Strasbourg until the summer of 2020.
Newcastle have already done business with Strasbourg this season and that could perhaps work in their advantage, after they sold goalkeeper Matz Sels to the French club in the summer for a fee of £4million.
The Toon do have cover on the right side of defence in the form of Javier Manquillo, who can play on either side of the defence, as well as Toon academy product Jamie Sterry.
If Benitez wants Lala signed this month, though, he will have to move quickly and convince Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to stump up £8million in order to sign the exciting right-back.
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