Newcastle closing in on 23-year-old defender from La Liga giants – report
By Derek Smithson
Newcastle are close to securing a deal for defender Javier Manquillo from Atletico Madrid, according to a report.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo claim that the 23-year-old is set to secure a permanent switch to St James’ Park imminently.
It is understood that the right-back will sign a three-year deal with the Magpies and is expected to travel on Tuesday to undergo a medical.
The report details that Rafael Benitez has been keen on securing a deal for Manquillo from La Liga giants Atletico, who look set to part ways with their academy graduate.
Manquillo has made just 17 senior appearances for Atletico since breaking into the first team in 2011 and has spent most of his time away from the Vincent Calderon on loan.
The Spaniard spent the 2014/15 campaign on loan at Liverpool and the following season with French club Marseille.
He was loaned out to Sunderland last season and was unable to help them avoid relegation from the Premier League, making 22 appearances in the process.
Football Insider verdict:
Newcastle could do with an additional right-back in their squad following the departure of Vurnon Anita to Leeds, who played a major role last season for them. Manquillo is a player that Benitez should be well aware of and could be the perfect manager to get the best out of him. The 23-year-old is someone with a lot of promise, but is yet to really show any consistency in his game. He is blessed with good pace and energy on the right flank and Benitez could definitely help tighten defensive flaws in his game. He would most likely be an understudy to DeAndre Yedlin upon arrival, but could provide strong competition in the full-back area. His experience in the Premier League is also an added bonus and a move to Newcastle should give him a chance to find a new home.
In other Newcastle transfer news, they have agreed a £12.5million fee for a 22-year-old attacker.
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