Newcastle United are reportedly lining up a move for Royal Antwerp defender Aurelio Buta in the upcoming January transfer window.
It has been rumoured in the Northern Echo that the 22-year-old right-back, who is currently valued at £2.7 million, according to Transfermarkt, has been identified as a potential purchase for the Magpies in January.
Interestingly, the Magpies have previously been linked with the full-back and the Northern Echo report details that Newcastle scouts have watched the 22-year-old in action for Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
Buta has made 17 appearances for the Belgian side in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals and making one assist (per Transfermarkt).
The Portuguese predominantly plays as a right-back but has made one appearance for Antwerp as a left-back, which goes to show Buta’s versatility as a defender.
TIF Tactics
If Buta were to sign for the Tyneside club in January, he would have to compete for the right-back spot with current right-back DeAndre Yedlin. The American full-back has totalled an average of 1.8 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in six Premier League appearances so far this season (per WhoScored). If Buta does sign in January, Steve Bruce will have to think about which right-back he will want as Newcastle’s main man.
Newcastle have used a 5-4-1 formation at times this season, so Buta could slot right into place as a wing-back who has already shown he can provide contributions in the final third this season.