Reports now link Newcastle with January move for 23-year-old La Liga winger

Newcastle United still need to find that right-winger to take them to the next level after several transfer windows of trying and failing.

Eddie Howe has two outstanding options fighting over the spot on the left side of the attack, and while he has dabbled with playing one on the right, it's clear that both Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon prefer the left flank.

That leaves Newcastle with two right-wingers from the Mike Ashley era to choose from in Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy, both of whom can not be faulted for their endeavour but their output rarely matches. Both have had amazing spells in the side but consistency is lacking and that's what Newcastle really need now, consistent performers.

Targets have come and gone and some still remain in Newcastle's crosshairs, but the club continues to search for players to cover that position and a new name has been uncovered.

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Newcastle and Aston Villa have their eye on £46m Villarreal winger

Caught Offside claims that Newcastle and Aston Villa have their sights set on 23-year-old Villarreal winger Alex Baena and could make their move in January.

Baena is under contract until 2028 which means that the Premier League sides would have to come in with a hefty bid, believed to be around €55 million (£46 million) if they want to tempt him away from Spain in the new year.

Unai Emery already has a leg up on Newcastle as the former Villarreal boss has worked with Baena at the La Liga club.

Alex Baena's preferred position suggests Newcastle are barking up the wrong tree

The big problem with this story for us is that a quick look at Baena's Transfermarkt profile shows that the Spaniard also prefers playing on the left wing.

While he has played on the right and even in the middle of the park, he's clearly at his best out on the left. That's where the bulk of his assists and goals have come from which makes this one an unlikely purchase for us.

The last thing we need is another square peg being forced into a round hole. He may be a decent player, but he just isn't right for what we need at this moment. We have to get this winger purchase right, and given how long it has taken, there's no excuse not to.