Could Marcos Alonso be the answer at left-back for Newcastle?

Newcastle United have been linked with the Chelsea full-back.

Outside of the number nine, one of the positions that Rafa Benitez wanted to improve in his time at Newcastle United was left-back. Paul Dummett was the primary player there, but he didn’t bring a lot to the attack as modern full-backs are expected to. This season, Steve Bruce has had two loanees fill the position with Jetro Willems and Danny Rose. Next year, could a veteran from a Premier League power be playing on the left flank?

According to The Sun, Newcastle United are interested in Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso. The Real Madrid Academy product joined the Blues back in 2016 from Fiorentina.

In the Premier League this season, he has four goals, including a winner vs. Newcastle, and three assists. During his Chelsea tenure, he has 22 goals and 17 assists in all competitions. Outside of Willems finding the net this season, when was the last time a Newcastle left-back actually scored and/or provided much to the attack?

He’s only 29 years old and could benefit from being the first-choice player at his position each week. With the speed and skill of Allan Saint-Maximin on the left wing, adding a player with Alonso’s ability going forward could make for an exciting side of the pitch to watch for the next few years.

Outside of his skill set and pedigree, it would be interesting to see how fans would react to Alonso. He spent a season on loan with Sunderland and had the disturbing drunk-driving incident back in 2011 that ended with a person dead. The price tag is rumored to be around 30 million and with his ability to defend and add to the attack consistently, that might not be a bad price to pay.