Newcastle United are to bid £17million for Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo.

Jornal de Notícias says the Magpies would have to fend off interest from his former club Barcelona to land the defender.

The Spanish full-back has a contract with Portuguese giants Benfica until June 2023, so his club may decide to cash in now rather than risk losing him for less in the summer.

But Barca boss Xavi is also reportedly eyeing the player to provide competition for first-choice left-back Jordi Alba.