Swansea City were close to signing Benfica defender Lisandro Lopez in January – but now he could be on his way to Newcastle United.
Only relegated Hull City conceded more Premier League goals than Swansea City last season. Therefore, it’s no surprise that manager Paul Clement appears to be in the market for an experienced centre-back.
Napoli defender Raul Albiol, a World Cup winner with Spain, was linked earlier this month by The Mirror. As was former Liverpool hardman Martin Skrtel, now plying his trade with cash-strapped Turkish giants Fenerbahce, as reported by Fotomac.
Swansea City manager Paul Clement is still on the lookout for a centre-back
However, Swansea could have saved themselves the time if they had got a deal for Benfica battler Lisandro Lopez over the line in January. According to Sky Sports, the 27-year-old was close to moving to South Wales midway through last season, only for the transfer to be called off with just a day to go in the transfer window.
Yet, if Swansea harbour any hope of reviving the deal, they may have to act fast. According to O Jogo, Newcastle United are now the frontrunners for the Argentines signature after Benfica made clear that he would be available for transfer this summer.
Perennial title winner
The Magpies, like Swansea, appear to be on the lookout for a battle-scarred centre-back and Lisandro could be a fine addition. Tall, strong, excellent in the tackle and reliable at the back, the four-time Albiceleste international would certainly come cheaper than most of the other defenders linked with Newcastle in recent weeks.
He started just six Primera Liga games last season, largely due to the excellent form of recent Manchester United signing Victor Lindelof, but was excellent when called upon as he went on to lift a third straight league title with the Lisbon giants.
Benfica’s Lisandro Lopez won the title again last season
However, Swansea simply cannot afford to let Newcastle beat them to the punch. They only survived by the skin of their teeth last season and, with deals for Skrtel and Albiol ambitious in the extreme, Lisandro is an affordable and available alternative.
He would also be an excellent replacement for Alfie Mawson if the former Barnsley centre-back departs this summer.
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