Breaking news arriving in the last few moments from Sky Sports, as it has been confirmed that Atletico Madrid full-back Javier Manquillo has arrived in Dublin and is currently undergoing his medical ahead of a permanent move to Newcastle United.
This means Newcastle look set to complete a double-deal today, with Norwich winger Jacob Murphy having already completed the first part of his medical ahead of his £12m move.
Javier Manquillo is currently undergoing a medical with Newcastle United at their camp in Dublin. He spent last season on loan at Sunderland
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 18, 2017
Manquillo is a 23-year-old right-back (also capable of playing at left-back) with one year left on his current deal at Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and spent last season on loan at bitter rivals Sunderland, playing 22 times for David Moyes’ side.
Whilst he did not set the world alight during Sunderland’s torrid relegation season last year, he has been capped 7 times for Spain U-21’s and was tipped for big things as a youngster at Atletico Madrid.
He enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Marseille during the 2015/16 season, however struggled to make an impact during a loan spell at Liverpool in 2014.
Always have a soft spot for @javiermanquillo – reliable and hardworking player. Should've stayed with us in 2016 https://t.co/qsT2d11uLh
— Mohammed Ali (@mohammedali_93) July 18, 2017
With Vurnon Anita and Kevin Mbabu leaving the club this summer, Newcastle have limited options to cover DeAndre Yedlin at right-back and the signing of Manquillo will offer exactly that – as well as being able to cover the left-back slot.
Jesus Gamez and Jamie Sterry are current right-back options, but given their lack of involvement last season, it is no surprise that Rafa has brought in another option in the full-back department.
Manquillo is a pacey, attack minded full-back, and whilst he arrives as a relatively unknown quantity, he does have youth on his side, two years of Premier League experience and some useful versatility being able to play right-back and left-back.
Interestingly, Jamaal Lascelles appeared to have leaked news of a full-back signing earlier today, with the Newcastle captain saying this with an interview with Sky Sports news:
"We've got another full-back in"
Does Lascelles know something we don't? Manquillo..?#NUFC ⚫️⚪️
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) July 18, 2017
With Newcastle set to announce two signings in one day, it appears Rafa’s recruitment drive may be finally about to kick into first gear!
