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.
