Newcastle United set for £10m transfer battle with Arsenal and Juventus

Benfica defender Alex Grimaldo is said to be a target for Newcastle United as they look to add further experience to their squad.

The Magpies were initially linked with the 26-year-old full-back earlier this year as they looked to improve their options on the left-hand side of Eddie Howe’s defence.

They opted to secure a loan deal for Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett on the final day of the January transfer window and that move was made permanent during the summer.

However, reports in Italy have suggested the Magpies maintain an interest in former Barcelona defender Grimaldo and believe he could be available for ‘less than £10million’ during the January transfer window.

Grimaldo would bring significant experience after making over 250 appearances for Benfica and appearing over 50 times in the Champions League during his six-year stay with the Portuguese giants.

Speaking during the summer as interest from elsewhere arose, Benfica director Tiago Pinto told Sky Sports: "For me, Grimaldo is one of the best five left-backs in Europe.

“Many Benfica players are ready to, some day, play in a world class team. Grimaldo is good enough to play for any side right now.”

There were reports Manchester City were considering a move for Grimaldo during the summer after they lost out to Chelsea in their attempts to sign Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.

But it is two other European giants that are set to provide significant competition should the Magpies look to bring in Grimaldo in January.

Italian outlet TuttoSport have suggested Juventus are keen to sign the former Spain Under-21 international and have been attracted by a potentially cut-price deal.

There is also interest from England as Arsenal also consider a move during the next transfer window.