Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez should consider moving for Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko in January.
As recently reported by The Mirror, the Spanish coach is eager to get a handful of new players in next month to strengthen their bid to stay in the Premier League.
It is understood that Benitez is making the signing of a new ‘attacking left-back’, and a ‘number 10’ a priority.
At the moment, United only really have Paul Dummett to call on at left-back. When’s he’s been unavailable, Benitez has had to turn to Ciaran Clark, a right-footed centre-half.
The need is certainly there for someone who is comfortable in the position, and City’s Zinchenko could be an absolutely ideal acquisition.
Zinchenko’s versatility would make him a perfect signing
Zinchenko has more than shown his versatility for the Citizens since signing for the club in the summer of 2016.
Benjamin Mendy’s injury troubles last term allowed Pep Guardiola to experiment with him at left-back, and the Ukraine international impressed when called upon.
His natural position is as an attacking midfielder, so Benitez moving for Zinchenko would make a lot of sense.
The need for an attacking midfielder is greater now as well, considering Yoshinori Muto will be linking up with Japan for the Asian Cup next month (Chronicle Live).
Even with Mendy injured once again, game time still appears quite limited for Zinchenko at the Etihad Stadium.
Benitez should consider a swift January move, especially if Wolverhampton Wanderers come back in for him.
The Black Country club were a whisker away from signing the star in the summer, only for the player to reject a £16 million move on deadline day.