With the January transfer window almost here, Premier League managers are thinking about what areas of their squad needs strengthening heading into the second half of the season — and none more so than Rafael Benitez.
The Newcastle boss’ frustration with how the summer transfer market went was well-documented, and he will most certainly now be looking to push owner Mike Ashley into doing some business in the new year.
That business, however, is unlikely to include a certain Spaniard.
The Breakdown
Newcastle are said to be keeping an eye on Real Sociedad’s central defender Diego Llorente but, according to the Evening Chronicle and journalist Chris Waugh, the Magpies are unlikely to make a move for the £15.75m-rated (via Transfermarkt) 25-year-old at this time.
And given the signings the club were actually able to make in the last transfer window, that is not surprising. While Benitez probably did not get all the players he wanted, he was still able to bring in Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar to strengthen central defence.
Schar, in particular, of late, has made a huge impact in the team, playing a significant role in his side’s back-to-back victories over Watford and Bournemouth.
With that in mind, Newcastle can certainly hold off from making a move for another centre-half.
Rather, the Magpies could desperately do with another wide man who can complement Kenedy on the opposite flank and take some of the creative burden off of him.
With an owner such as Ashley at the helm, though, supporters will not be surprised if nothing happens come January.
