Newcastle United full-back Javier Manquillo has reportedly emerged as atarget for La Liga side Villarreal.
According to El Periódicio Mediterráneo, the 26-year-old is on the shortlist of the Spanish side, along with Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate.
Right-back is something of a problem position at the moment for Unai Emery, who recently lost Mario Gaspar to injury.
The ex-Arsenal boss is thought to want additional cover to compete with Alfonso Pedraza.
Supposedly Manquillo’s profile is appreciated by Emery and his team, and the Spaniard’s versatility is something they like.
Villarreal use wing-backs, and Manquillo has experience of playing that role at St. James’ Park.
£35,000-a-week star Manquillo (Spotrac) only agreed a new contract with Newcastle last summer, so it remains to be seen if the club would be willing to do business with Villarreal.
The Spanish outfit would apparently prefer a loan move, but would not rule out a permanent swoop.
Depends on Yedlin
What Newcastle decide to do with Manquillo may well depend on what happens with DeAndre Yedlin.
The USA international is out of contract in the summer and could well leave during the current transfer window.
If that happens, then it’s like the Magpies will want to retain Manquillo to compete with Emil Krafth.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
