For a while now, Newcastle have been credited with an interest in Atletico Madrid left-back, Renan Lodi and a couple of different sources have touted the move as a likely one over the weekend.
FootballFanCast have cited sources claiming that Newcastle may have to stump up around £40m to bring in the Brazilian star. Lodi has a couple of former colleagues amongst the Newcastle ranks already with former Atletico team-mate, Kieran Trippier, as well as Bruno Guimaraes with whom he was on the books at Brazilian side, Atletico Paranense.
Meanwhile, on Tyneside Life‘s YouTube channel at the end of season party, channel owner, Eddy, was speaking to Sky Sports’ North East correspondent, Keith Downie about all things Newcastle. Eddy pressed Keith for some transfer insight, where the journalist claimed that Lodi was looking very likely. He also said that he didn’t feel the long-mooted Paqueta deal was unlikely.
Paqueta not likely to move to Newcastle
With a potential deal for Lodi on the table, this brings into question the future of Aston Villa loanee, Matt Targett who has enjoyed a very successful stint on Tyneside with fans and players alike calling for him to sign permanently.
Current left back Paul Dummett has just signed a contract extension and is therefore expected to stay at St James’ Park, but forgotten man, Jamal Lewis is expected to be moved on. It might be seen as overkill to bring in two more left-backs, especially with Dan Burn having experience covering that position. Therefore the question is, Lodi or Targett? Targett is proven and has been nothing short of excellent int he Black and White since January. However, Lodi is 24 and a Brazilian International and very highly rated.
This is likely to be the first of many transfer conundrums facing Newcastle in this off-season. It’s fantastic.