Report reveals TWO first-team players Benitez looks set to replace if he stays this summer
According to the Chronicle, Rafa Benitez has Newcastle talent spotters searching for a new right-back and winger - with Yedlin's place in the side and Kenedy's future at the club under serious threat.
Although signing Rondon on a permanent deal is said to be top of Rafa's list, it's no surprise to hear that he's looking at other first team options in these two areas - with Yedlin lacking real competition and Kenedy desperately short on form.
Here's a snippet from the Chronicle's latest piece - which highlights that Rafa is already making plans ahead of the summer transfer window:
'Once United know what division they will be in they can step up their recruitment process for the summer, but Newcastle scouts have already flown out to Europe to check targets for next season.
'Indeed, the club's talent spotters have jetted out to Spain, Italy and Germany since the new year to check out potential targets.
'Having secured the number 10 Benitez wanted in Miguel Almiron, the search for a new right-back will come next while a new winger will also be required as Kenedy's loan stint starts to wind down.'
Yedlin is a decent option for us, but he's now being consistently targeted and seems our weakest link in what is generally a very solid defence
At present, Kenedy seems highly unlikely to earn another loan never mind a permanent deal unless he improves dramatically over the next few months. He was impressive during his last spell at the club, but he's been a shadow of the man we saw over the second half of the 2017/18 season in just about every respect.
Keeping Rafa is key before all of this, but for a right-back, winger and signing Rondon permanently (plus another striker to replace Joselu?) seem some of the key priorities - although the idea Benitez is making transfer plans could be seen as a positive thing with regards to his future..
