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Newcastle United will look to sign at least two full-backs this summer if Rafa Benitez stays on as manager - and long-term target Jetro Willems claims he has been watched by the Magpies.

Despite the season having ended a week-and-a-half ago, Magpies fans are still nervously waiting to learn whether Benitez will sign a new contract.

Talks took place between Benitez and the club's hierarchy last Thursday, while dialogue has continued since, though no agreement is yet in place, despite reports in Italy suggesting the Spaniard had penned a new deal.

However, both sides appear relaxed about the current status of the discussions and, although a resolution sooner rather than later would be preferable, neither party is willing to rush, with Benitez in particular determined to guarantee as many assurances as he can before committing his future to United.

Should Benitez remain - and, indeed if a new manager comes in - then at least two wide defenders will be sought, with extra cover needed down both flanks.

Right-back DeAndre Yedlin's form has been questionable in recent months, while Javier Manquillo is only considered to be a squad player, and Benitez is keen for an upgrade on the right flank.

On the opposite side, Antonio Barreca's disastrous loan from Monaco will not be made permanent - United will not exercise the report £8million option to buy within the deal - meaning Paul Dummett is the only out-and-out left-back in the Newcastle squad, with Matt Ritchie having also performed well in the left-wing-back role when the Magpies have played with five in defence.

(Image: Getty Images)

One player who Newcastle have watched in the past is Netherlands international Willems, who has impressed for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt over the past two seasons.

The 25-year-old claimed to Dutch outlet VTBL that Newcastle and Roma have registered an "interest" in him in recent months.

While the Magpies have watched Willems, it is understood that the left-back is just one of more than a dozen wide defenders who Newcastle are keeping track of.

No firm decisions have yet been made on individual transfer targets; only once Benitez's future is resolved will Newcastle then whittle down the list of players they are looking to sign.