Newcastle United news: Magpies linked with Ajax left-back, Benitez faces first game in charge

Reports in Holland have indicated that Leicester and Newcastle are both tracking the 6ft 5in Dijks, who has earned three caps for the Dutch Under-21 side.

Newcastle are in need of defensive reinforcements after failing to strengthen that area in the January transfer window.

But if Newcastle are to boost their ranks with the likes of Dijks, then they will have to retain their Premier League status, with Rafa Benitez facing his first game in charge of the Magpies at Leicester tonight.

Benitez admits he faces a headache at both ends of the pitch, with only basement boys Aston Villa boasting a worst goals for and goals against record this season.

"In this case, we have to improve both parts of our game in attack and also in defence," said Benitez.

Meanwhile, Alan Shearer - who spoke to Benitez prior him to succeeding Steve McClaren - believes the Spaniard can be a hero on Tyneside.

"I’m stunned he has actually taken the job but also very glad he has," said Shearer, in his column in The Sun.