Newcastle United have had a good run so far in the Premier League but gaffer Rafa Benitez doesn’t seem happy with the squad’s balance. The Spanish manager failed to lure a number of his preferred targets but hasn’t given up hopes on his side’s chances of a top half finish. Now, he has identified the January transfer window as a chance to make his squad better.
According to reports, the Magpies are keeping tabs on Slavia Prague defender Jakub Jugas. The 25-year-old just joined the Czech club in this summer on a three-year contract and already has attracted the attention with his excellent defending at the heart of the defence for his side.
Newcastle scouts have been keeping an eye on the player and were present in the stands to watch the player in a recent game and it seems they are quite happy with his performances. The 25-year-old has the experience to play in Europe which could prove to be a big bonus, should they finish in the European spots.
Benitez currently has one of the most well organized defensive lineups in the Premier League. He lost Florian Lejeune in the first match but the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark have come up with some valuable outings, particularly Lascelles, who has been quite a revelation in the English top tier this season.
The young English defender recently has been rewarded with a new six-year extension at the St James Park and is likely to be there for a long time. Benitez’s demand of a new central defender is a bit surprising as Lejeune is also scheduled to come back from his injury spell.
Perhaps the gaffer is trying to inject more competition in the side which has been lacking. Jugas has a solid eye for the ball and is very dominant in the air. He is rumoured to have a price tag of £2m which shouldn’t be a problem for the Tyneside team.
Benitez has asked the club to secure a number of signings in the summer and the Czech defender is topping the list. Newcastle endured a tough start to this season but have been on a good run recently, as they have won three matches and have drawn one match so far.
The gaffer has reportedly also demanded a left back and an attacking midfielder in the winter transfer window to beef up his squad. The former Czech U-21 international is not very renowned but Benitez has been a good eye for players so it could be a good coup for him. He is still relatively inexperienced but is could he be a good option for the Magpies?
