Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United aiming to sign a pair of South American fullbacks

By Carson A Merk

KRASNODAR, RUSSIA - AUGUST 06: Cristian Ramirez (L) of FC Krasnodar is challenged by Nikolay Dimitrov of FC Ural Ekaterinburg during the Russian Premier League match between FC Krasnodar v FC Ural Ekaterinburg at Krasnodar Stadium on August 06, 2017 in Krasnodar, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)
KRASNODAR, RUSSIA - AUGUST 06: Cristian Ramirez (L) of FC Krasnodar is challenged by Nikolay Dimitrov of FC Ural Ekaterinburg during the Russian Premier League match between FC Krasnodar v FC Ural Ekaterinburg at Krasnodar Stadium on August 06, 2017 in Krasnodar, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images) /
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With the position lacking depth, Newcastle United have shown interest in two fullbacks: Argentina’s Nicolas Tagliafico and Ecuador’s Cristian Ramirez.

The two projected starting fullbacks for Newcastle United are currently out of action. DeAndre Yedlin is working his way back from a preseason hamstring injury. Paul Dummett joined Yedlin in the Injured Hamstring Club during the club’s opening match against Tottenham. The steady left back is rumored to be out for some time with his knock. The American full back Yedlin has been replaced by Javier Manquillo so far this season and center back Chancel Mbemba has filled Dummett’s spot. The need for additional depth at outside back is clear and it could push Newcastle United to sign a fullback or two. They’ve been linked with Nicolas Tagliafico and Cristian Ramirez.

Tagliafico, the Argentine, plays for Independiente in the top level of soccer in Argentina, arriving at the club for just under 3 million in 2015. He will turn 25 on transfer deadline day. He excels at crossing and could help deliver good service into big body forwards like Joselu and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Tagliafico has made one appearance for Argentina’s senior national team.

Cristian Ramirez is a speedy left back hailing from Ecuador. As a teenager, he was compared to the all time legendary left back Roberto Carlos, mainly for his pace and attacking mindset. He’s been with FC Krasnodar for less than a year and his transfer fee was around 1.5 million. Ramirez scored for the Ecuadorian national team in World Cup qualifying last fall against Chile, his first goal with the senior squad.

With Achraf Lazaar and Massadio Haidara not included in Rafa’s plans, both South American fullbacks could provide quality depth and youth to the position.They bring two different skillsets to the club and neither player should be overly expensive in the transfer market.