A new left-back is likely to be very high on the transfer window agenda for Eddie Howe at Newcastle United. If Matt Targett is not signed permanently, Jamal Lewis is the only left-sided defender at the club and he may well harbour ambitions to find first-team football elsewhere.
Renan Lodi’s name is one that continues to circulate but Atletico are said to be looking for more than the Magpies are willing to pay. Reports state that United are ready to table a bid in the region of £21m but the Spanish giants are likely to want upwards of £30m.
If Eddie Howe and his recruitment team don’t feel the Brazilian is worth that sum of money – and they don’t choose to make Targett’s move permanent - then they will have to reassess their options. We have taken a look at a handful of options that United could look at to strengthen the left-back position.
Read more: Eddie Howe reveals biggest Newcastle transfer challenge he 'definitely' doesn't want to 'break'
Pervis Estupinan – Villarreal
United supporters who watched the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Villarreal might be familiar with the name Pervis Estupinan. It was his brilliant cross that led to the Spanish side’s first goal in the second leg which kickstarted their brief dreams of a fairy-tale comeback.
The Ecuador international has had a strong season in La Liga and is a very similar player to Lodi, which may interest those at United who were interested in the Atletico man. Estupinan is very strong defensively, a key attribute for Howe when signing defenders. He is also more than useful going forward which, especially in the modern game, is vitally important.
He is valued at £13.5m on transfermarkt but might be available cheaper given the relative lack of finances amongst the majority of La Liga sides.
Jose Gaya – Valencia
Jose Gaya is another left-back operating in the Spanish top flight who would provide a great option for United, although he would likely be more expensive than Estupinan. He ranks as one of the best offensive full-backs in European football whilst also being very solid defensively.
Valencia offered Barcelona the opportunity to sign him – as well as his team mate Carlos Soler – and while they decided not to, it shows that he is on the market for the right price. Gaya seems to be linked with a big-money move to a different European giant every summer so his pedigree cannot be questioned, it would be a smart acquisition for United.
With just one year left of his contract at the Mestalla, Valencia are clearly keen not to lose him for free next summer which could mean he is available at a cut price in the next few months.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Manchester City
One of the clubs being briefly linked with Gaya was Manchester City as they are reportedly targeting a high-profile left-back signing this summer. That would push Oleksandr Zinchenko down the pecking order and, as he has previously outlined his intentions to play regularly, he may look to leave the champions if a new left-back is brought to the club.
He would be an excellent option for a number of other Premier League clubs like Newcastle because of his experience playing in such a well-oiled machine like Pep Guardiola’s side. The only question marks from a Magpies-perspective would come regarding his defensive capabilities but it is a rare a player survives under the Spaniard without having every aspect of their game fine-tuned.
When Wolves were interested in Zinchenko a couple of years ago, an offer of around £20m was being reported but, considering the success he has enjoyed since, that figure may have crept towards closer, or possibly above, £30m.
Hassane Kamara – Watford
Supporters often turn their noses up when they see their team interested in a player from a relegated side but there are a few that would be key additions to the United squad from Watford and Burnley. Hassane Kamara from the former is certainly one of those after being awarded the Hornets’ Player of the Season award.
Like Estupinan, his all-action playing style is remarkably similar to Lodi’s as he is a very capable defender as well as a threat at the other end. Watford will obviously be keen for Kamara to stay to help them secure an immediate Premier League return but, if he outlines a desire to leave, they will struggle to keep hold of him.
Alex Grimaldo - Benfica
In recent years, Alex Grimaldo has often been lauded as one of the most promising left-sided full-backs in world football. At 25 years old, the Spaniard is still at Benfica but continues to be linked with some of Europe’s most elite clubs.
This summer, he will move into the final year of his contract and will undoubtedly be the subject of some serious interest. United could do a lot worse than join the list of clubs pursuing a move for him as he stands out as one of the best in his position around the globe, both offensively and defensively.
While it must be remembered that the Portuguese top flight is of a lesser quality than the so-called ‘major leagues’, Grimaldo scored five goals and put on five assists for his team mates this season. With a worry that he will leave for free this time next year, Benfica are not in a position to turn down significant offers and he could work out to be cheaper than the alternative options being explored at St James’ Park.
Iago - Augsburg
If Howe is thinking about bringing more Brazilian players to the club, Iago from Augsburg could be one of the players he considers. He might not be the high-profile signing that some will be craving this summer but he is one of the most consistent full-backs operating in the major European leagues.
His side struggled in the Bundesliga this season, finishing 14 th , but Iago was one of the rare shining lights as he had a vital impact at both ends of the pitch. If the Magpies spend the majority of their budget elsewhere, the 25-year-old could provide a cheaper option to fill the left-back void.
