Matthias Jaissle has just given green light to make his first Newcastle United signing
Newcastle United transfers: A fresh target for Newcastle United has emerged ahead of the Premier League opener against Liverpool.
Newcastle United are stepping up their pursuit of a full-back signing this week, having lost five already this summer.
Benfica right-back Amar Dedic has been targeted by the club, having worked previously under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.
Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett were all released when their contracts expired at the end of June, while Harrison Ashby and now Alex Murphy have left on loan.
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Although only Trippier was in serious contention for a starting spot at Newcastle, it leaves new head coach Matthias Jaissle with a shortage of options in the full-back positions. And with Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley all recovering from respective fitness issues, the Magpies risk heading into the new season without a recognised senior option at full-back.
Jaissle has turned to the likes of Miodrag Pivas, Leo Shahar and Mason Miley from the Under-21s to bolster his options at left-back and right-back in pre-season.
Newcastle are in a somewhat difficult position when it comes to recruiting a full-back as, if Hall and Livramento are both fully fit, any realistic new signing in that position would struggle to get into the side. As such, Newcastle have targeted another young full-back who is versatile enough, like Livramento, to play on both sides.
23-year-old Dedic, is primarily used as a right-back at Benfica but has also played on the left. He started against Newcastle in Benfica’s 3-0 Champions League defeat at St James’ Park last season.
Prior to that, he spent time on loan at Marseille but also worked previously under Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, winning an Austrian Bundesliga title.
As per transfer narrative expert, Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are in talks to sign the defender and Jaissle has given the green light to push ahead with the potential signing.
While Jaissle remained coy on potential incomings when speaking to the media, he did offer a hint when asked about the full-back situation.
“Yeah, we are totally aware in the club, internally, which positions we might need to strengthen the squad, but this is nothing for the press conference,” Jaissle told The Gazette.
“We believe in the players we have now, and we had the chat after the match in Valencia where we were really happy that the young lad's getting the chance, so that's also the approach from this club.