Newcastle reportedly to battle Tottenham and Wolves for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand
Rafa Benitez hoping to receive the funds to bolster his Magpies squad after steering them to Premier League survival
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NEWCASTLE are reportedly set to battle Tottenham and newly-promoted Wolves for Southampton star Ryan Bertrand.
The left-back, an England international, is valued at £25million by the struggling Saints.
And the claimed that the Magpies have joined their two rivals in registering their interest in the 28-year-old.
SunSport reported last month that Bertrand wants to quit the South Coast outfit whether they stay up or not.
He was the subject of interest from Premier League champions Manchester City a year ago.
But Southampton told him they would not let him leave as they could not afford to lose him and Virgil van Dijk in the same season.
Van Dijk later moved to Liverpool for £75m in January – now Bertrand wants to follow him out of St Mary's exit door.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has led the club to top-flight safety following last year's promotion from the Championship.
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Now, after a failed takeover bid by Amanda Staveley, he is hoping to get the backing from current owner Mike Ashley to strengthen his squad.
Whether he gets enough money to meet Southampton's asking price for Bertrand remains to be seen.
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But that has not stopped the North East side from making their intention to try and sign the defender known.
Bertrand was in Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League winning side before Southampton made his loan permanent in February 2015 in a £10m move.
He signed a new £80,000-a-week, five-year deal with the Saints in 2016.
Southampton are struggling to stay up this season and are currently only outside the drop zone due to their superior goal difference to Swansea - who they face in a huge clash tomorrow night.
They then tackle league winners City at home on the final day of the season.