With Steven Taylor out for the rest of the season, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew wants to reinforce his defence and has apparently identified French defender Yohan Benalouane as the man to bring in.
According to L’Equipe, The Magpies had Benalouane scouted during the week as his Cesena team lost 2-1 to Napoli in the Coppa Italia.
The Tunisian-born stopper, who played for Saint-Etienne before moving to Italy, has represented France Under-21s but is unable to play for the senior side after FIFA ruled he was to play only for Tunisia. He rejected the opportunity to play for Tunisia, after initially being called up.
Alan Pardew is said to be a fan of Benalouane’s ability to pass the ball out from defence and the 24-year old could be available on loan after struggling to hold down a regular place in the Cesena first-team this season.
