Newcastle are tracking Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi, according to reports.
The 24-year-old may be available this summer and is said to be attracted to the project on offer at St James’ Park.
And whilst Newcastle are unable to offer any form of European football to the South American at present, the fact Lodi could reunite with former Atletico teammate Kieran Trippier at Newcastle and Bruno Guimaraes, whom he played with at Athletico Paranaense earlier in his career, may be an attraction for the Brazilian.
Lodi is a left-back by trade, an area Newcastle are somewhat lacking in at present. The Magpies did sign Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa for the second half of 2021/22.
However, there has been little talk of a permanent switch for the defender, with newly-promoted Fulham now said to be interested in the Englishman.
Even if Targett did sign on a permanent deal, though, Newcastle could still do with some more quality options at full-back.
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And Lodi would certainly provide that. The 24-year-old joined Atletico Madrid in 2019 and he has gone on to feature on over 100 occasions for the Spanish powerhouse. In said ties he has scored six and provided 10 assists.
No potential fee is mentioned in the report linking Lodi with Newcastle. But as he is still under contract at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2025, it is hard to see Diego Simeone and co. parting with the Brazilian for a small fee.
But as Newcastle now have the richest owners in world football, price is not expected to be much of an issue.
