Argentina centre-back Marcos Rojo has given Newcastle an unexpected transfer boost, with the player in talks to tear up his contract at Manchester United.
Argentine source Infobae had previously claimed that the 30-year-old was in talks over an early termination of his contract, and it is understood that discussions are ongoing.
Newcastle have been previously linked with Rojo by The Athletic and Informacion in previous months, and the defender may prefer to remain in the Premier League.
If that is the case, the Magpies could be a ready-made suitor. The 30-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, could be available on the cheap and is valued at just £5.4m by Transfermarkt.
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Rojo could come in during the final days of the window as a surprise option, although he would not be bound by the constraints of the transfer window as a free agent.
At 30 years old and with 122 senior appearances for the Red Devils, Rojo could add experience and leadership to a back line crying out for defensive reliability.
Enduring a winless run of 11 games, Steve Bruce will be feeling hot under the collar. Having conceded 34 goals this season and only registering three clean sheets, such a record flies in the face of Steve Bruce’s highly defensive 5-4-1 formation.
Clearly, something simply isn’t clicking in terms of rigidity despite the tactical emphasis on defensive solidity.
Rojo may not have an instant impact if he comes to St James’ Park, but it would not be difficult to justify having a fresh and experienced face shoring up the Newcastle defence – especially if he cuts short his Old Trafford ties and is available for free.
