Six alternatives to Renan Lodi & Matt Targett to fill Newcastle United left-back void

A new left-back is likely to be very high on the transfer window agenda for Eddie Howe at Newcastle United. If Matt Targett is not signed permanently, Jamal Lewis is the only left-sided defender at the club and he may well harbour ambitions to find first-team football elsewhere.

Renan Lodi’s name is one that continues to circulate but Atletico are said to be looking for more than the Magpies are willing to pay. Reports state that United are ready to table a bid in the region of £21m but the Spanish giants are likely to want upwards of £30m.

If Eddie Howe and his recruitment team don’t feel the Brazilian is worth that sum of money – and they don’t choose to make Targett’s move permanent - then they will have to reassess their options. We have taken a look at a handful of options that United could look at to strengthen the left-back position.

United supporters who watched the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Villarreal might be familiar with the name Pervis Estupinan. It was his brilliant cross that led to the Spanish side’s first goal in the second leg which kickstarted their brief dreams of a fairy-tale comeback.

The Ecuador international has had a strong season in La Liga and is a very similar player to Lodi, which may interest those at United who were interested in the Atletico man. Estupinan is very strong defensively, a key attribute for Howe when signing defenders. He is also more than useful going forward which, especially in the modern game, is vitally important.

He is valued at £13.5m on transfermarkt but might be available cheaper given the relative lack of finances amongst the majority of La Liga sides.

Jose Gaya is another left-back operating in the Spanish top flight who would provide a