Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a move for 23-year-old Real Betis defender Juan Miranda as they look to bolster their left-back options.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle United have set their sights on Real Betis full-back Juan Miranda as their search for a new left-back continues.
Eddie Howe wants to add cover and competition on the left side of his defence and made reinforcements at left-back one of his top priorities before the close of the transfer window. But the Englishman has claimed the Toon would need to be creative in the transfer market, having already spent a chunk of their budget on the likes of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, and Valentino Livramento.
As such, the Magpies are trying to iron out a loan with an option or obligation to buy deal, with a fair few players on their radar. They are back with fresh interest in Chelsea’s Lewis Hall, whose touted loan move to Crystal Palace has stalled.
Another option from Chelsea itself is Marc Cucurella. The Spaniard is out of favour at Stamford Bridge, but there is a feeling that his wages would be a stumbling block for Newcastle, coupled with the fact that the Blues prefer to sell the former Brighton & Hove Albion left-back rather than loan him.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have also contacted Kieran Tierney about a move to St. James’ Park. But it will be another tricky deal to pull off, as Arsenal are only willing to offload the 26-year-old permanently. Now, Real Betis defender Juan Miranda has surfaced as the latest name on their list of potential left-back targets.
The 23-year-old has been watched closely by Newcastle United over the summer and could come cheaper in comparison to the aforementioned targets, with the Betis starlet in the final year of his existing contract and supposed to have a relatively low release clause.
The young defender re-joined Real Betis from Barcelona on a permanent basis in the summer of 2021 after being on loan there since October 2020. In 79 appearances for Los Verdiblancos, he has scored six goals and provided nine assists.
A tall full-back with an excellent work rate, great technical quality, and plenty of attacking endeavour, he possesses excellent crossing ability and looks to go forward at any chance. Coming from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, he also likes to be heavily involved in build-up phases, with one-twos combined with angled passes and intent-forward forays.
He is versatile, too, with the ability to play as a left-back and a left-sided centre-back. This is something that has caught the attention of Newcastle. It remains to be seen how this story develops in the coming days.
