Newcastle wants to sign forgotten man Fabian Delph

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has identified Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph as the ideal player to raise the standard of his squad in the Magpies return to the Premier League.

Fabian Delph has endured a torrid time at Manchester City since his move from Aston Villa. The midfielder has only appeared 39 times over two seasons for the Manchester club, scoring just four goals. Earlier this year, Delph even described himself as the "forgotten man" in Manchester City.

Guardiola is set to clear out his squad in a massive summer overhaul and has already chosen not to renew the contracts of Pablo Zabaleta, Willy Caballero, Bacary Sagna, and Gael Clichy. 

Fabian Delph is also expected to be let go by Guardiola despite having three years left on his contract. 

According to Chronicle Live, Rafael Benitez is extremely interested in bringing the England international to St. James' Park. 

Newcastle tried to get Delph on loan from City last season and was close to completing a move. However, a string of injuries to City's first-team squad led to Guardiola canceling the loan move to keep the player at the club. 

Benitez will now have a clear path to get Delph and is expected to lodge a formal bid soon. Newcastle have already started his summer business with the acquisition of Christian Atsu from Chelsea and are poised to bid for Crystal Palace's Andros Townsend.