Transfer Rumours

Newcastle make move for Lucas Orban – Reports

Newcastle United have made a move to bring Lucas Orban to St James Park, according to reports on Friday morning.

The 26 year old is struggling to get a regular game for Valencia and with Newcastle having major problems at left-back, both in terms of injury and quality, it is a position that desperately needs strengthening.

The Mail report that Newcastle have made contact with Lucas Orban’s representatives and the Argentine international (two caps for his country) could be the fourth transfer deal of the window for United, albeit on loan.

Orban can also play centre-back and with Newcastle desperate to improve their defensive options, a loan deal with possibility of a permanent move sounds like a no-brainer.

There are plenty of Newcastle links with the player, as Steve McClaren’s assistant Ian Cathro was assistant manager at Valencia when Lucas Orban arrived for £3m from Bordeaux in August 2014.

A former team-mate of recent signing Henri Saivet is another link, whilst the Neville brothers are obviously good friends of Steve McClaren and Phil Neville turned down the chance to be McClaren’s assistant as he was waiting for an opportunity such as the one at Valencia.

A number of other Premier League clubs are also said to be interested in the defender but if Newcastle are genuinely interested then hopefully their connections to the player and Valencia will make a difference.

Lucas Orban has made only six La Liga starts this season after eight throughout the whole of last season and is said to have struggled to settle since the move from France.

Friday morning has also seen claims in the Midlands that West Brom have privately made clear they are willing to listen to bids for Saido Berahino, from anybody but Newcastle. The reason being they fear getting dragged into the relegation battle if the striker proved a success at St James Park.