Rafa Benitez is looking to return to his old club Real Madrid in an attempt to bolster his Newcastle United team ahead of the second half of the season.
The Magpies have endured a difficult return to the Premier League and sit just two points outside of the relegation zone.
A lack of investment in the first team over the summer has been chastised by Benitez and fans alike, unimpressed with Mike Ashley's running of the club, although with the club currently up for sale, many supporters (and Benitez, presumably) will be hoping for new owners to invest significantly in squad, and soon.
Advert
Until then, Benitez is targeting a loan move for Real Madrid youngster Achraf Hakimi, a 19-year-old Moroccan full-back who made his debut for the Spanish and European champions in October.
Advert
The Express are reporting that the Toon face competition from Sporting CP and Real Betis for Hakimi's signature, who has already won six caps for Morocco.
Advert
Makimi already has experience of playing against Premier League opposition, appearing in both of Los Blancos' clashes against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, this season.
At the moment, however, it is unlikely Makimi will make too many more first team appearances at the Bernabeu this season with Dani Carvajal currently serving as Zinedine Zidane's first choice right-back.
Advert
Takeover talks between potential buyer Amanda Staveley and owner Mike Ashley have reached a standstill and are therefore negatively affecting Benitez's transfer plans, restricting the Spanish manager to loan deals for the time being.
Advert
Can the Magpies avoid relegation with their current squad and a handful of loan deals, though?
Have your say in the comments section, below.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, Football, Rafa Benitez, Achraf Hakimi, Premier League, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, La Liga
