Newcastle are eyeing an ambitious £26million move for CSKA Moscow defender Mario Fernandes this summer.
Rafa Benitez is eager to bolster his defence in the transfer window as Newcastle look to improve on their 13th-placed finish in the Premier League next season.
And according to the Mirror, Newcastle view the Russian international as the ideal replacement at right-back for DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo.
Fernandes has been a mainstay in defence for CSKA this season in the Russian top-flight, making 34 appearances and playing a part in 10 goals.
The Magpies are hoping the opportunity of playing in the Premier League will attract Fernandes to England.
However, they do face competition from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid this summer.
Fernandes enjoyed a successful World Cup for hosts Russia last summer as they reached the quarter-final stage, before crashing out to Croatia on penalties.
The 28-year-old featured five times for Russia at the World Cup, scoring once and providing one assist.
A move for Fernandes though could rely on whether Benitez stays at St James' Park this summer.
He is due to sit down with owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley as the two parties attempt to agree a contract extension for the Spaniard.
didadinors
0
Interesting fact about Fernande's many may not know: He has worn the Brazil Jersey on 2 occasions in 2013 before the confed cup against Italy and Russia, but since these were friendlies, he was eligible to play for Russia.
Wotcipuz
0
buy as much Russians as you can fr I mean that squad
Seyeiosz
0
Benitez can't leave the comfort n petting of new castle to go relive the stress n pressure of Chelsea, inter n real some where again. he's not stupid
Toonarmy1974
2
26 million for a 28 year old defender, I doubt it very much, Ashley is not going to pay that.