Where could Rafa Benitez use Garry Rodrigues at Newcastle?

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With reports emerging of two knocked-back bids, Newcastle United are looking likely to reignite interest in the Cape Verdean this summer?

Reports have recently emerged of two rejected Newcastle bids for Galatasaray wide man Garry Rodrigues, 27. Rafa Benitez is thought to be extremely keen on landing the Dutch-born Cape Verdean winger, however, he has been knocked back twice in his pursuit, first last summer and more recently in January.

Despite this, the Spaniard has not been put off and is likely to launch a third bid for the winger this summer, should he remain as Newcastle boss beyond the end of the season.

There is no doubt that the Magpies will be doing everything in their power to retain Chelsea youngster Kenedy, who has been a brilliant addition to the club since his arrival on loan last month.

With Matt Ritchie also performing well on the opposite flank, where exactly would Rodrigues fit in to the current Newcastle side?

Should Newcastle land Rodrigues, the obvious choice to drop out would probably be Ritchie, who has only found the net on one occasion this season, albeit against Manchester United which proved to be the match-winner.

Despite this, Ritchie is beginning to fall into the same category as Dwight Gayle: brilliant in the Championship but much less effective in the Premier League. One goal in 25 appearances is not an impressive return for an attacking player, despite playing for a team that struggles to score goals generally.

However, with Kenedy outshining the Scotland international since his arrival, Ritchie’s time as a starting player at St James’ Park could be in jeopardy should the club land Rodrigues.

Alternatively, with the Galatasaray man’s clear creative prowess, the 27-year-old could potentially be trialled in a second striker role under Benitez.

The Spaniard is a well-known lover of the 4-4-2 formation and has played with the likes of Ayoze Perez, Joselu and Gayle in the two striker positions. None of the three have been particularly impressive, which led to the addition of Islam Slimani last month and, with four goals and six assists this term for Galatasaray, Rodrigues may well have the ability to step up in a slightly more advanced role.

Should Newcastle land Rodrigues, the offer of a central advanced role may entice the PAOK star who has around a half-century of career goals to date.

First and foremost, it will be interesting to see how Slimani gets on, with the Newcastle loanee having a point to prove after falling out of favour at Leicester City.