Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest target makes shock decision over summer transfer
The Magpies have received a boost in their summer transfer plans - but they face major competition for one of their reported targets.
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Newcastle United transfer target Alex Grimaldo has reportedly made a major decision over his future with Portuguese giants Benfica.
The Magpies are believed to have identified the former Barcelona defender as an alternative to Arsenal star Kieran Tierney as they look to strengthen their options at left-back during the summer transfer window. As it stands, Eddie Howe is able to call upon the services of Matt Targett, Jamal Lewis, Paul Dummett and Dan Burn, with the latter of that trio currently the front-runner in the battle for a place on the left-hand side of the Magpies defence.
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Although a natural centre-back, Burn has impressed over the campaign as the United back-four have established themselves as the stingiest defence in the Premier League. But with the Magpies hierarchy keen to strengthen their squad to boost their chances of becoming regular challengers for major honours, a move for Scotland defender Tierney is said to be high on the agenda at the end of the season.
Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest in the £30m-rated left-back - but Newcastle could have been handed an opportunity to land a more cost-effective alternative after The Athletic reported Grimaldo is ready to leave Benfica on a free transfer when his current contract comes to an end this summer.
The 27-year-old defender will not be short of interest, with the report suggesting Fulham and Nottingham Forest have already held discussions with his agents and Real Sociedad, Valencia, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen all said to considering their own offers. United recruitment staff are believed to have watched Grimaldo on several occasions during the current season and will have been impressed with a return of five goals and 13 assists in all competitions during the campaign.
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