Promising defender Barreca could finally help Newcastle replace Santon this month

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Newcastle United are chasing a loan deal for Monaco defender Antonio Barreca before the transfer window closes, according to the Telegraph.

The Italian left-back joined the Ligue 1 club this summer for a reported £9m from Torino, but the move has not worked out as planned.

Leonardo Jardim brought him to the club but has since been sacked and replaced by Thierry Henry, but the Arsenal legend has failed to stop the rot that has set in – while Barreca has been short of gametime amid the mess.

He has just the nine appearances to his name across all competitions – in truth, a club crisis on the scale of Monaco’s is no place for a 23-year-old still trying to adjust to a new country – which has handed Newcastle an opportunity.

It’s no secret that Newcastle need a left-back upgrade – and have done in truth since Davide Santon left the club in 2015 – and Barreca has the talent to belatedly succeed his countryman.

Barreca’s first big move has not worked out but if he can show the ability that convinced Monaco to part with a substantial sum of money for his services, Newcastle fans will see a left-back who can match Santon during the days of Alan Pardew.