Rafa Benitez has been a busy man since the end of the previous season, where he helped Newcastle United to the Championship title, and more importantly, helped them back to the top flight after just a year in the second tier.
The Spanish manager was brilliant with his tactical nous last season but the Premier League is a different kettle of fish and Rafa will know it. His time at Anfield will have surely taught him a lot about the English game and he will surely be looking to take Newcastle close to the top of the table, in his first full season back in the Premier League.
To aid his plans, the former Real Madrid manager is looking to add some of the most exciting players around in Europe to his squad this summer and the latest name extensively linked with a move to the St James’ is Napoli star, Allan.
Born and brought up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the 26-year old is a product of the Madureira Academy in his home country but he only came to the light with his brilliant performances for Vasco da Gama in his loan stint with the club back in 2011.
After just a year, he managed to earn a move to Italian side Udinese, where he established himself as the first choice, making 104 senior appearances in Serie A before being snapped up by Napoli in 2015. He has been an integral part of the squad in Naples and according to reports from the Sun, Newcastle United are now ready to make a move for him this summer.
Known for his physical approach to the game and his ability to sit back and defend, the 26-year old is a defensive minded, central midfielder, who can act as the first line of defence against even the best of the attacking talents in Europe.
Playing for Napoli, Allan made 29 appearances last season in Serie A, picking up five assists and a goal, and acting as the first choice midfielder for the club. He was on the weaker side in the Champions League but is wanted by the likes of Southampton and Watford in England, thanks to his attributes, which are perfect for the English game.
At 26, he is yet to represent the Brazil national side and has his own weaknesses, but Rafa will know that he is a slight upgrade on his current choices and at just £10m is a decent option, not just for next season, but also in the long term. But do you think he is the right man for the Magpies?
