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Newcastle United Linked With Surprise January Move For Defender

Newcastle United Linked With Surprise January Move For Defender

It's one of the more surprising rumours of recent months, with the latest transfer window just two weeks away.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Something needs to change at Newcastle United or the team could soon find themselves right back in the Championship. Rafa Benitez is eyeing up one of January's unlikelier moves to help save his team's season.

Of the three promoted sides last season Newcastle would have been the favourites to stay up. With their past pedigree and world class manager making them more likely survivors than the newbies Brighton and Huddersfield.

The problem for Rafa Benitez and his team is the lack of investment from the club's owner Mike Ashley. The Sports Direct owner is now in the middle of trying to sell the club.

Ashley is looking to sell but time is running out for the transfer window. Image: PA Images.

With the transfer window just two weeks away the club are running out of time to complete the takeover and be able to buy players which is necessary if they're to stay up.

According to the London Standard former Liverpool manager Benitez has his eyes set on his number one target for the winter and it's Chelsea centre back David Luiz, although he only wants the Brazilian on loan.

Luiz is no longer first choice for Antonio Conte at Chelsea. Image: PA Images.

The London based newspaper report that Arsenal want to sign the Brazilian for £30 million but the Blues aren't interested in selling to a rival following the decision to sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United in the summer.

However the former PSG player also has admirers abroad and if Real Madrid or Juventus were to make a move for the player then you'd suspect that both sides would be ahead of Benitez' side in having the chance to sign him.

Luiz has had some very good days in his two spells at Stamford Bridge. Image: PA Images.

The 30 year-old was an integral part of Chelsea's title winning side last season, having been a surprise transfer deadline day signing in the summer, but this season has been dropped behind Andreas Christensen.

It's likely that Newcastle would only be able to afford the players wages if Amanda Staveley completes her takeover and Chelsea would surely only let the player go if they sign someone for cover.

Surely this is one transfer rumour that won't happen?

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Topics: Chelsea, Rafa Benitez, david luiz, Newcastle United