NEWCASTLE UNITED are looking to strengthen their defensive ranks with the acquisition of Lucas Orban from Valencia.

The left-back, who is also capable of playing at the heart of the defence, is well known to Newcastle’s former Valencia assistant Ian Cathro.

And Cathro has recommended the Valencia player to Steve McClaren and that has got things rolling in terms of a deal with the Magpies.

Orban is an Argentina international and he moved to Valencia in a £2.5m deal 18 months ago having initially headed for France from River Plate.

Newcastle are still searching for a new striker, but have also felt that an extra defender is needed following the club’s recent injury crisis at the back.