Takeover or not, Newcastle are expected to be active next month.
Rafa Benitez has managed at some of the best clubs in the world throughout his career, including the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid and his address book will be choc full of contacts.
In January, he must look to land three names than he knows he can trust in order to keep Newcastle in the Premier League. Here are three players Benitez has worked with before that he should bring to St. James’ Park.
Marko Marin
The former Chelsea playmaker, who Benitez coached in 2012-13, has reignited his career with Greek champions Olympiakos by having a hand in nine goals during 21 games. Scoring four, the pocket-sized German has created five.
The 16-time Germany international has 18 months remaining on his contract and with the Toon lacking a top quality number 10, Benitez should attempt to lure Marin back to England.
Mariano Andujar
The 11-time Argentina international was managed during the 2014-15 campaign by Benitez at Napoli and now plays in his home country for Estudiantes. Although he is 34, the energetic goalkeeper would be a huge step up on Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow.
Surely Andujar would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League and give Europe one last try, as he is best known for his shot-stopping and reflexes. A must, if Benitez targets former players.
Davide Santon
A former Newcastle player, the Toon signed the Italy international from Inter Milan before he returned to the San Siro club in 2015. Benitez worked him with briefly before his Newcastle days in 2010.
Now in the final six months of his contract and with Newcastle desperately needing a full-back as DeAndre Yedlin struggles and Paul Dummett remains injured, signing Santon in a cut-price deal in January would a coup.
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