- Rafa Benitez signed Javier Manquillo when he was Newcastle boss back in 2017
- The defender’s Newcastle contract was due to expire at the end of the season
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Newcastle defender Javier Manquillo is reuniting with former boss Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo.
The 29-year-old full-back travelled to Spain on Thursday ahead of agreeing terms.
Manquillo has yet to feature for Newcastle this season and has struggled with a series of injury setbacks.
The Spaniard is currently Newcastle’s fourth choice right back behind Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth.
He last featured for the club last May in one of six appearances last season, including just two starts.
Newcastle full back Javier Manquillo is closing in on a move to join Spanish side Celta Vigo
Manquillo will be reunited with former manager Rafa Benitez, who brought him to Newcastle
The former Liverpool and Sunderland defender joined the Magpies in 2017 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth a reported £4million.
Benitez brought the full back to the club from Atletico Madrid.
Manquillo had been an important first team squad member under Benitez for two seasons, before the Spanish coach stepped down at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Celta and Newcastle have agreed a deal for the full back, who made 110 appearances for the club, ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Manquillo will strengthen Benitez’s struggling side in their battle against relegation.
Celta are currently 16th in La Liga and lie just two points above the relegation zone.
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