Report: Newcastle join Aston Villa in race to sign defender Yoann Barbet

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Football website CalcioMercato has claimed that Newcastle United have joined Aston Villa in the race to sign Brentford centre-back Yoann Barbet.

Barbet, 25, has starred for Brentford this season. The Frenchman has made 36 appearances in all competitions, and Villa boss Dean Smith is keen to bring the former Bordeaux youth player to Villa Park.

It is believed the defender – who can play at centre-back and left-back – is out of contract at the end of the season. He is said to be in talks with the Bees over signing a new contract.

Now, Newcastle are said to have joined the race to land the Bees defender with Rafa Benitez a fan. It remains to be seen if The Toon will be given the backing to land him, with owner Mike Ashley still in control.

TBR’s view

Barbet is an excellent player and given that he is available on a free, and can play at centre-back and left-back, he would be a strong addition.

Whether Newcastle can beat Aston Villa, though, is a different question. Smith’s presence as manager at Villa Park, and potentially gaining promotion to the Premier League, could sway Barbet’s decision.

Newcastle would have to move quickly to sign Barbet, and offer him a deal that would be more convincing than a move to Smith’s Villa.