‘My future step’ - Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer target makes intriguing summer verdict

Newcastle United could have been handed a boost in their bid to strengthen their options at left-back during the summer transfer window. Magpies manager Eddie Howe has utilised Dan Burn on the left-hand side of his defence for the vast majority of what has already been a successful season at St James Park. But the former Brighton and Hove Albion star is far from his only option at left-back with Matt Targett, Jamal Lewis, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett all part of United’s 25-man Premier League squad.

Despite their apparent strength-in-depth in the position, the Magpies hierarchy are believed to be keen to strengthen at left-back and a number of options have been assessed ahead of the summer. Links with Arsenal and Scotland defender Kieran Tierney, Monza’s Carlos Augusto and Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro have been widely reported in recent months - but it is the future of one other suggested target that has hit the headlines in recent days.

Benfica star Alex Grimaldo could be one cost-effective option available for Newcastle as he approaches the final months of his current contract with the Portuguese giants. The former Barcelona defender will be available on a free transfer during the summer if he is unable to agree an extension to his current deal and he is one player said to have been monitored by the Magpies in recent months.

The 27-year-old has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and former club Barcelona and would bring significant experience of playing in European competition after featuring for Benfica in the Champions League and Europa League on 66 occasions during his seven-year stay at the Estadio da Luz.

With speculation over his future continuing to dominate the headlines, Grimaldo spoke about what could lie ahead in an interview earlier this week. He said: “I still don’t know my future step, whether I’m gonna stay at Benfica or leave on free transfer. I’m focused on the league then we will see.”