The signings that could
NEWCASTLE United are far from home and hosed in the three-horse race to reach the Premier League.
Brighton and Huddersfield are close behind them in the Championship as they look to clinch one of two automatic promotion slots and a route back to the top flight. It now all rests on eight games between now and the first week of May – a period that’s as important as any in the club’s recent history.
But Rafa Benitez is meticulous and work is already underway to try and build a Premier League-ready side, with the first meetings about summer recruitment having taken place at the club’s Benton base this month.
It’s going to require plenty of work to put together a team that can aspire to more than just surviving in the top flight. The struggles of Hull and Middlesbrough show that the step up is significant and Newcastle lost the most talented players from a team that was relegated last time around.
Michael Keane (Burnley)
The Clarets defender was being eyed before the two sides swapped divisions last season – and his improvement this term has been marked enough to land him a first England cap.
He is an ex-Manchester United defender who is strong and technically adept, as he showed in Germany this week with an accomplished debut for the Three Lions. Would cost big money to take from Burnley, but the club need to bolster that back four.
Harry Maguire (Hull City)
If the Tigers drop down a division, Maguire would be unlikely to stick around at the KC Stadium.
Hull have struggled this season but Maguire has made his presence felt in the division and has emerged as the Tigers’ leading light. A fee of around £10million would probably persuade Hull to do business.
Jozo Simunovic (Celtic)
The Croatia defender is one of Celtic’s prized assets but like Virgil van Dijk before him, he may fancy testing himself in the Premier League after a season when the title race has turned into a procession.
Another strong, impressive presence in the back four. Would certainly add quality to Newcastle’s defensive options.
Ryad Boudebouz (Montpellier)
Linked in January and Newcastle were offered the Algeria playmaker. Is an electric talent on his day and Newcastle haven’t given up shopping in France just yet, with scouts looking at Ligue 1 for potential options.
Fancies a move in the summer. Would Newcastle splash the cash?
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
The Gunners are ready to cash in and Bournemouth don’t seem too interested in converting their loan deal into a permanent one. Undoubtedly has talent and has shown it in patches. Would certainly be a statement of intent if