FIVE alternative left-back options for Newcastle United

By Sam Dowens, Charlie Hodgson and Ben Lightfoot

Newcastle are hoping to bloom on the run-in to the season by signing Danny Rose on loan. But what if the England left-back turns them down?

The Magpies are desperate to add another full-back to their squad following season-ending injuries to Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett.

But with them facing inevitable competition for Tottenham star Rose, they may be forced to look elsewhere on deadline day to plug the gaping hole in their squad.

But who could Newcastle move for as the clock ticks down on Friday night.

Here, we look at five left-backs potentially available on loan and capable of answering an SOS call from Steve Bruce.

Iago: FC Augsburg

Age: 22

19/20 League Appearances: 6 

An Italian-Brazilian left-back for Augsburg with an eye for goal and the pace to match the high tempo of the Premier League. 

He started his career at Internacional in Brazil and has four caps for the Brazilian Under-23 side in the last few months.

But since joining Augsburg in the summer, he hasn’t quite made the immediate impact the Bundesliga outfit would have expected.

Alfonso Pedraza: Real Betis

Age: 23

19/20 League Appearances: 11

Pedraza is a natural wing-back who can also operate as a winger or traditional left-back.

As well as good pace, he is sturdy, and should have no problem coping with the physicality of the Premier League after playing on loan for Leeds in the Championship in 2016-17.

At 23, he may be a sensible loan to buy option if the Magpies are looking for a genuine long-term prospect.

Maxime Poundje: Bordeaux

Age: 27

19/20 League Appearances: 2

Although not regularly featuring for Bordeaux, Poundje boasts extreme pace, if that is what Steve Bruce is looking for most.

Although he came through the ranks at Bordeaux, Poundje made his name in senior football at Nimes.

With only 18 months left on his current deal at Bordeaux, his buying option might come reasonably cheap.

Marvin Plattenhardt: Hertha Berlin

Age: 27

19/20 League Appearances: 9

A versatile player who has a wand of a left foot with the ability to deliver accurate crosses from deep and find the net from set pieces.

Although he is a little older than the players Newcastle usually go for, Plattenhardt’s pedigree with Germany – he has seven senior caps, and played at the 2018 World Cup – and extensive Bundesliga experience may make him an attractive option.

Jonathan Silva: Leganes

Age: 25

19/20 League Appearances: 19

Silva is a fairly quick natural wing-back and Argentinian international who fits both Newcastle’s age demographic and current system.

Aggressive in the tackle, he has been previously watched by Magpies scouts after joining Leganes on loan from Sporting Lisbon last season.

Although Silva is now a regular after making that move permanent, Leganes’ lowly position in La Liga may persuade them to agree to a loan if it comes with the promise of a decent summer pay-day.