Newcastle United’s search for reinforcements keeps taking the club to Spain, now with an experienced full-back emerging as a potential target ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Magpies have made adding a defender capable of providing cover across the back line one of their priorities after agreeing deals for a goalie, two midfielders, and a winger during the first half of the summer transfer window, leaving the club to address one of the remaining gaps in Eddie Howe’s squad.
According to Marca,
per Matteo Moretto, Newcastle is closely monitoring Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu alongside Nottingham Forest, shortly after an interest in Sevilla versatile defender Joaquin Martinez Gauna was reported by TEAMtalk.
“Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are closely following Andrei Ratiu, from Rayo,” Moretto reported.
The Romania international is coming off the best season of his career after making 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and four assists while helping establish himself as one of La Liga’s most consistent attacking full-backs.
The 28-year-old is also being tracked by Liverpool, and he was previously linked to La Liga giant Barcelona, given his ability to play multiple positions and move up and down the right flank, including reaching winger positions.
Ratiu has produced six goals and seven assists across the last two La Liga seasons, and he’s solidly established in the Romania senior squad, having 38 caps and two goals to his name. As things stand, Ratiu has a market value of €18 million after his valuation exploded following his strong start to last season while at Rayo.
