Newcastle United want to sign excellent Benfica star

Newcastle United might have had struggles getting deals over the line in recent weeks, but the club did make an excellent start to this summer transfer window by strengthening their defence. And one of the best moves that the Magpies were able to pull off was the signing of Matt Targett on a permanent basis from Aston Villa, after he had shined on loan at St James’ Park in the second half of the previous season.

Early on in the window, Newcastle United continued to be linked with several other left-backs as well though, as it felt like they were looking to provide some competition to Targett.

Since then, though those rumours have faded away significantly, as the focus has shifted mostly towards strikers and wingers, but it looks like the Magpies still have their eyes on other areas as well.

As reported by Marca, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Juventus and Barcelona are all interested in Benfica left-back, Alejandro Grimaldo. It is believed that the Portuguese club rate him at a transfer fee around €20 million.

Newcastle United appear to be interested in Benfica star

Grimaldo was very highly rated while coming through the youth ranks at Barcelona but never quite managed to make his mark on the first-team there.

Instead, he would end up at Benfica and over the years, he has been able to make a name for himself there, to the point where it looks like some of the biggest clubs in Europe are interested in the left-back.

Newcastle United manged to get a close look at Grimaldo recently as the Magpies came up against Benfica in pre-season, with Eddie Howe’s side on the end of a 3-2 loss against the Eagles.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle United end up making a move for Grimaldo or not, but if they do, he has the potential to be a very good signing for the club. At the same time though, one has to wonder whether the Magpies need another left-back before strengthening in the forward areas of the pitch.