Atletico Madrid full back Renan Lodi is attracting interest from Newcastle United, as the Brazilian continues to be linked with a summer move to St James' Park.
At just 24, the Atleti defender has Champions League pedigree, as well as winning La Liga with Diego Simeone's side last season too. Currently valued in the region of £40m-50m by the Spanish side, he is unlikely to come cheap with his contract not set to expire until June of 2025.
But given the Magpies new found wealth, plans are reportedly in place to make a move.
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Scoring both of his sides goals in a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo back in February, boss Simone was quick to praise Lodi and his unwilling work rate.
"[I am] very happy for Renan," the Atletico boss began. "Last season he had fewer minutes than in his first year, but we always told him that due to his characteristics he could be very dangerous. The most important thing is what is not seen, [how] he works."
Given the links, current United defender Kieran Trippier also enjoyed a decorate year in the Spanish capital and is said to be 'key' in making the deal happen this summer according to former keeper Paddy Kenny.
He told FootballInsider most recently that : "It always helps when you have someone on the inside. I would be very surprised if Trippier hasn’t been on the phone to him, telling him how good it has been at Newcastle since he joined."
Described by his own employer as a 'versatile and fast full-back with capacity to run down the wing and strong shooting skills', another Toon player who could also influence the move is midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The ex-Lyon man is a countryman of Lodi and prior to his move to the North east over two years ago, the 24-year-old is said to have try to influenced his next move given the pair's close friendship from their time in Brazil with Atletico Parananese.
""I have enquiries from other teams too. I think about going to a team where I can play. I talk a lot with Renan Lodi and he just tells me good things about Atlético and (coach Diego) Simeone. The information I have, for now, is only from him," said Bruno.
