Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is far from happy with January signing Antonio Barreca, reports claim. And according to the Chronicle ... Rafa didn't want him in the first place!
The Italian left-back joined on loan from Monaco on deadline day but has hardly featured since his arrival on Tyneside.
His only appearance came as an 86th-minute substitute against Tottenham at the beginning of February, and he has since been left out of the last four matchday squads.
Newcastle can buy Barreca from Monaco on a permanent deal for £8million, but it looks certain they will send him back to France.
According to The Sun, Benitez considers the 23-year-old to be defensively suspect and he could struggle to get any game time between now and the end of the season.
Paul Dummett is the Magpies’ only natural left-back, hence why Benitez was desperate for reinforcements in January.
However, it is understood the Spaniard was never interested in Barreca.
The left-back looks set to return to Monaco.
Owner Mike Ashley broke the club’s transfer record to sign Miguel Almiron for £20.7million, but it seems Benitez did not get everything he wanted.
Matt Ritchie has now established himself in the left-wing-back role and reports suggest Benitez will try and sign another full-back in the summer.