Newcastle’s transfer business could intensify in the coming days.

Rafael Benitez made Deportivo La Coruna defender, Fabian Schar, his fifth signing of the transfer window earlier this week. Following an injury to Florian Lejeune, the Swiss international will likely start alongside Jamaal Lascelles on the opening day of the season. Before the window shuts, Benitez wants to improve his defence further.

A left-back is next on his wish list as the former Liverpool boss looks for an upgrade to add some competition to Paul Dummett. Reports suggest that Newcastle could target Everton’s Leighton Baines, who has just one year on his contract, but the 33-year-old would cost a significant amount in wages. Instead, Newcastle need to fork out for Ajax full-back – Nicolas Tagliafico.

Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, Benitez is known to be an admirer of the Argentine but was deterred by the £8m price tag set by Ajax. However, the Spaniard is set for an increase in his transfer budget following Aleksandar Mitrovic’s £22m sale to Fulham. He must reinvest some of the cash to land the defender.

The 25-year-old joined Ajax in January after spending three years in Argentina with Independiente. He enjoyed an excellent first season in the Eredivisie, making 15 appearances, scoring one and assisting two. His performances saw him selected as Argentina’s first-choice left back at the World Cup.

There aren’t many better options out there for £8m – Newcastle must secure his signature before someone beats them to it.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?