NUFC set to sign TWO full-backs if Rafa stays – & Jetro Willems could be one of them – Report

The Chronicle claim that Rafa Benitez plans to sign ‘at least’ two full-backs this summer if he stays at St James’ Park – and they’ve confirmed our interest in Jetro Willems.

This comes after the former PSV full-back told Dutch outlet VTBL that Newcastle were one of the club’s keen to sign him from Frankfurt this summer.

The piece states that Benitez is looking for cover and added quality in BOTH wing-back areas, with Yedlin’s form questionable of late and Javier Manquillo seen as a ‘squad player’ by his fellow Spaniard.

Matt Ritchie has been sensational following his switch to a left wing-back role, however there’s a clear lack of cover or competition in this position.

As the Chronicle’s Andrew Musgrove highlights below, the fact Willems is 25, experienced and available this summer – not to mention a cut-price fee of around £6m has been touted – suggests he could be a shrewd signing:

Chris Waugh has also had the following to say about the 25-year-old full-back, stating that we ‘could well’ make a move for him this summer – but insisting that he’s one of many left-sided players being looked at:

Jetro Willems is a player who has regularly been linked with Newcastle United over the past few years – and is someone they watched during his time at PSV Eindhoven. It is no secret that Rafa Benitez will be looking to sign full-backs/wing-backs this summer if he stays on as manager, and Willems is someone Newcastle have monitored over the past few years.

He has had another very good season for Eintracht Frankfurt and, should he be available for a decent price, Newcastle could well make a move for him.

While the Magpies have watched Willems, it is understood that the left-back is just one of more than a dozen wide defenders who Newcastle are keeping track of.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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