Newcastle United<\/a> are preparing to submit a concrete offer for Hellas Verona defender Rafik Belghali, who could become Matthias Jaissle’s first signing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Following Kieran Trippier’s departure earlier this summer, Newcastle are searching for a new right-back, and they are now in contention to sign Belghali, off the back of his performances for Algeria at the World Cup.<\/p>\n The 17-cap Algeria international started all four games for the African side, who were knocked out by Switzerland at the round of 32 stage, and he scored in the dramatic 3-3 final group match against Austria.<\/p>\n Newcastle’s current right-back options<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n Tino Livramento<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n With Trippier signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of his contract, Matthias Jaissle is light on options at right-back. Tino Livramento has been the first-choice option for the past three seasons, but the Englishman has suffered a number of injury setbacks, including a knee problem which ruled him out of the World Cup, which will be a concern.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Leo Shahar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Leo Shahar is the Magpies’ only other right-back by trade, but the 19-year-old has only made one senior appearance for the Magpies, featuring as a late substitute against Qarabag in the Champions League last season. As such, additional depth will be needed.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n The full-back’s attacking attributes were on display in the Serie A last season too, averaging 1.8 successful dribbles per 90, which was 0.4 more than any other Hellas Verona player, although the Italian side were ultimately relegated to the Serie B.<\/p>\n It was the 24-year-old’s debut campaign in Italy, after joining from Belgian outfit KV Mechelen, for whom he made 50 appearances, chipping in with three goals and three assists.<\/p>\n The former KV Mechelen man remains under contract with Hellas Verona until 2029, but following relegation, a move elsewhere could be tempting, and the Magpies have now stormed into the race.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to a report from DZ Foot (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are poised to make a concrete offer for Belghali<\/a>, with Hellas Verona expecting the formal details to arrive soon.<\/p>\n There is a feeling the Algerian would be keen on a move to St. James’ Park, and a deal may be relatively inexpensive, with the Italian side set to hold out for around \u20ac15m (\u00a313m).<\/p>\n However, there is widespread interest from clubs in the Serie A too, with AS Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina and Napoli also among the potential suitors, so it remains to be seen whether the defender will become Jaissle’s first signing since his appointment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Benfica star Amar Dedic is also a contender to become the first addition of the Jaissle era, with Fabrizio Romano<\/a> revealing the new manager has given a move for the right-back the green light.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newcastle enter contention to sign Rafik Belghali<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Switzerland's](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/switzerland-s-ruben-vargas-in-action-with-algeria-s-rafik-belghali.JPG?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Anne-Marie Sorvin<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Matthias Jaissle gives green light to sign Amar Dedic<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Real](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/real-madrid-s-federico-valverde-and-real-madrid-s-eduardo-camavinga-in-action-with-benfica-s-amar-dedic-and-benfica-s-leandro-barreiro.JPG?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n