Newcastle put Argentina star Nicolas Tagliafico on list of left-back targets

ARGENTINA star Nicolas Tagliafico is reportedly the latest left-back targeted by Newcastle.

Boss Rafa Benitez is particularly keen to strengthen his defence as he attempts to make more transfer window signings.

5

5

And say Independiente ace Tagliafico, 24, is now on the Magpies' radar.

Ecuador full-back Cristian Ramírez, 23, who joined Russian club Krasnodar from Ferencvaros, is among the alternatives thought to have been offered to Newcastle recently.

But Benitez is in a difficult situation at the moment.

He wants to splash out quickly but has also been told by club owner Mike Ashley and the board to stop moaning about lack of funds.

Benitez plans to free up cash by selling sell Morocco left-back Achraf Lazaar before the window shuts, just one season after he arrived from Serie A side Palermo.

Genoa are understood to lead the chase for Lazaar, ahead of Bologna, Atalanta and Spaniards Real Betis.

most read in football

SCORES ON THE DOORS

Liverpool THRASH West Ham, City finally win, Spurs settle for draw

'ALL WITH YOU'

West Ham icon Miklosko makes emotional return after revealing cancer battle

SPURS 2 WOLVES 2

Tottenham duo do ‘Spursiest thing ever’ as side booed off after collapse

ON THE MOVE?

Glum Rashford chauffeur-driven from training as Man U future hangs in balance

5

5

Any pressure or frustration Benitez feels will have eased a little after Saturday's impressive 3-0 home win over West Ham.

Newcastle bagged their first goals and points of the season at the third attempt, thanks to Joselu, Ciaran Clark and substitute Alexsandar Mitrovic.

Benitez, though, still hopes to add to his five summer signings.

So far he has brought in Atletico Madrid right-back Javier Manquillo, Stoke striker Joselu, Ghana wideman Christian Atsu from Chelsea, SD Eibnar centre-back Floriaan Lejeune and Norwich winger Jacob Murphy.

5

Keep up to date with ALL the transfer news and gossip on our blog