Newcastle United monitoring Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu | OneFootball

Newcastle United are closely monitoring the situation of Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu, according to Marca.

Manager Eddie Howe wants defensive reinforcements, and the Romanian is a target. Liverpool also want the La Liga star. He has also been linked with Barcelona.

Newcastle were dealt a big blow earlier this summer after the Merseyside club signed Spanish attacker Victor Munoz.

The Magpies thought they had wrapped up a deal to sign the winger from Osasuna, but Liverpool hijacked the deal.

Newcastle will now hope to beat them to Ratiu. Nottingham Forest are also closely following the right-back, and a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

He bagged four assists in 34 La Liga games last term after weighing in with two goals and three assists in the same number of league games the previous season.

The full-back can also play as a winger. His dribbling and passing are qualities Newcastle need in the final third. Defensive contributions are a major part of his game.

The Magpies will hope they can sign Ratiu ahead of other suitors, but the lack of European football next season could work against them.