Report: Newcastle join Wolves and another PL side in race for Aurelio Buta

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The Birmingham Mail have claimed that Newcastle United have joined the race for Royal Antwerp right-back Aurelio Buta, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford previously linked with the defender.

Buta, 22, has risen to prominence this season with some excellent performances for Belgian side Antwerp. Boasting enormous pace and just as effective going forward and in defence, Buta is currently first choice for Antwerp.

The former Benfica academy player was claimed as a player both Wolves and Watford were looking at ahead of the January window, as per the Mail. It is believed Antwerp are willing to accept offers of around £5million for the defender.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo and Quique Sanchez Flores have now been joined by Newcastle United and Steve Bruce in the race to land the right-sided flyer, as per the Birmingham Mail. He has a contract until the summer of 2021.

TBR’s view – £5million is a bargain for Newcastle

Not only Newcastle, but for any middle-of-the-road Premier League side, £5million for Buta would be a bargain. Wolves have a very solid right-back Matt Doherty – but the Midlands club have little back up.

Buta would not start above Doherty but would be good cover. At St. James’ Park, though, Buta may have more chance of fighting his way into Steve Bruce’s starting eleven. Javier Manquillo is expected to leave at the end of the season.

Emil Krafth is yet to show his quality since joining from Amiens, while DeAndre Yedlin is yet to recover his top form. A move to The Toon may be Buta’s best move.