Newcastle United ‘interested’ in £17m-rated star who scored against them in pre-season

Newcastle United are among the clubs reportedly interested in signing Benfica star Alex Grimaldo.

Eddie Howe has already recruited a left-back this summer after pursuing a permanent move for Matt Targett from Aston Villa.

The fact the Magpies are covered in that position immediately casts doubt over the Magpies’ apparent interest in the 26-year-old, with the focus now on strengthening the attack.

Nevertheless, Spanish publication Marca have namedropped Newcastle as an interested party when reporting that Manchester City are exploring a move.

The Premier League champions are chasing Brighton and Hove Albion left-back Marc Cucurella but are yet to agree a fee.

Grimaldo is reportedly a cheaper alternative with Benfica demanding just £16.8million for the Spaniard.

Howe watched Grimaldo up close on Tuesday evening when he scored a 25-yard free-kick past Nick Pope midway through the first half.

The Magpies head coach was asked after the 3-2 defeat by the Lisbon media if he was considering the Portuguese transfer market.

“I think it is a very strong and good league,” Howe responded.

“Technically you could see from Benfica’s style of play and the high technical style of their players that they’d be very suited to the Premier League.

“Of course, we are looking around Europe and the World to find the best players for Newcastle.

“I wouldn’t say no to not looking in that area. We will have to wait and see.”