Newcastle United were credited with an interest in the Everton star in January, but Rafa Benitez has wanted the player for a lot longer.
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United appear to be closing in on a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and while their squad has been hugely impressive this term, the Magpies arguably still need a couple of marquee additions to make sure they are in no danger of returning to the second tier anytime soon.
Luckily, it appears that Rafa Benitez knows exactly the right person to be that marquee addition.
In 2009, the Daily Mail reported that Benitez – then at Liverpool – was monitoring a 14-year-old winger coming through the ranks at Barcelona.
While that teenager would not really make the grade at the Nou Camp, he would appear on Benitez’s radar again earlier this season while plying his trade in the Premier League with Everton (via Chronicle). However, a move was ruled out on that occasion.
So perhaps with Newcastle on the verge of automatic-promotion, this summer would be the perfect time for Benitez to bring the curtain down on his near decade long quest to land Gerard Deulofeu.
Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu in action with Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld
On his day, Deulofeu can give top flight full-backs nightmares so may provide that magic that Newcastle’s side need more of to make the step up to the next level.
And with the 23-year-old currently out on loan with AC Milan, it would certainly not be out of the question to suggest that Everton will have little problem selling him if the price was right.
The Daily Star reported in March that he would be available for £15.5 million, which, given that his career with the Spanish national team may be starting to develop – he scored in just his second senior game for his country in the midweek friendly win over France – may prove to be an absolute bargain given how much of a fan Benitez clearly is.
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