Benitez hoping Newcastle United can beat West Ham and Southampton to signing

 

Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Palermo defender Achraf Lazaar, according to claims in the Italian media. The Morocco international could leave the Serie A side before the transfer deadline due to his contract situation, and has already been linked with West Ham United and Southampton this summer.

TMW have reported in the last hour Newcastle United are the latest club to show an interest in Lazaar. Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in the left back, and the Spaniard is hoping the player will be prepared to play in the Championship in order to help them bounce back to the Premier League at the first go.

Benitez wants to strengthen the left side of his team, and with Lazaar’s versatility he’s an option open to the North East side.

However, Newcastle United will face competition to sign Lazaar with West Ham United and Southampton both looking to land the defender.

West Ham have been tracking Lazaar ever since Arron Cresswell was ruled out for the start of the season, whilst Southampton have been in recent talks with Palermo to sign the player.