Rafa’s hitlist
CHRIS WAUGH LOOKS AT THE LOAN STARS WHO COULD BE AVAILABLE FROM TOP SIDES
NEWCASTLE United manager Rafa Benitez is still yet to learn of his exact January transfer budget, but the Spaniard is already attempting to secure loan deals this month.
The Spaniard will aim to attract fringe players and youngsters from the top flight’s elite sides, as well as from foreign clubs, on temporary deals.
Premier League regulations allow Newcastle to sign two players on loan from English clubs, though only from any individual team. However, the Magpies are able to sign as many players on loan from foreign clubs as they wish.
Loan enquiries have already been launched for a number of Premier League players, while Benitez has also contacted other clubs and asked to be kept informed of any others who could become available on a temporary deal.
So here are some of the players from the Premier League’s current top-eight sides who Newcastle could target for a loan deal this month...
CHELSEA
Newcastle enjoy an excellent relationship with Chelsea having completed a permanent transfer for Christian Atsu during the summer, following a successful season-long loan spell on Tyneside. Benitez also has strong contacts at the club from his time managing at Stamford Bridge. United hold high hopes that they will be able to lure one of the Blues’ most-promising youngsters to Tyneside.
Kenedy (left-back/ left-winger)
The Magpies agreed the framework of a loan deal for the 21-year-old during the summer, but the Blues’ inability to secure a replacement saw the move collapse. However, Benitez is a long-term admirer of the former Brazil Under-20 international and he hopes the loan deal can be resurrected for the second half of the campaign. Kenedy’s move to Tyneside is dependent on Chelsea signing a left-sided replacement first and, given their inability to do so as of yet, Newcastle have been forced to wait.
Charly Musonda (midfielder)
Reports claim Newcastle have joined AFC Bournemouth, Watford and West Bromwich Albion in expressing an interest in Belgian 21-year-old Charly Musonda - who can operate as a central-midfielder or as a winger. He is a player who Benitez’s scouts have tracked the progress of, but Premier League restrictions mean Newcastle can only sign one player on loan from Chelsea this month. At this stage, Kenedy looks the more likely to arrive.
Michy Batshuayi (forward)
Antonio Conte has stated in recent days that he is “very happy” with the Belgian forward, but Batshuayi has started just two Premier League games all season. The 24-year-old has scored nine goals in 19 appearances in all competitions, however, and could push to head out on loan if he fears his place in the Belgium World Cup squad is under threat. Wages are likely to be an issue though and, with La Liga outfit Sevilla interested in Batshuayi, he is unlikely to end up on Tyneside this month.
LIVERPOOL
Just like at Chelsea, Benitez still maintains excellent contacts at Anfield. The former Champions League-winning manager personally intervened in the Georginio Wijnaldum transfer during the summer of 2016 in order to ensure it went through and he could well return to his former club to snap up some players this month.
Danny Ings (forward)
Newcastle have enquired about Ings’ availability on loan this month, with the 25-year-old struggling for gametime at Anfield following two long-term injuries. As things stand, the England international appears keen to fight for a starting place at Liverpool. However, that situation could change by the end of the month and, if it does, then Newcastle have made it clear they would be keen on Ings.
Daniel Sturridge (forward)
The 28-year-old is a proven topflight scorer, but unfortunately his injury record has blighted his career over the past few years. Newcastle have enquired about the forward and Benitez could be tempted to take a gamble on a player who, when fit, as good as guarantees goals. Unfortunately, the England international’s £120,000-a-week wages are likely to prove a stumbling block.
Marko Grujic (midfielder)
The 21-year-old Serbian is attracting interest from both West Ham United and Huddersfield Town this month, but Benitez would ideally like to bring in another midfielder too. Grujic has made just three substitute league appearances for Liverpool this season, and Jurgen Klopp could send him out on loan in order to gain greater first-team experience elsewhere. Whether Newcastle would want Grujic if he became available remains to be seen.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Jose Mourinho continues to demand even more money to spend on his squad this month, with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez now being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
As a result, the Portuguese needs to trim his wage budget, and some fringe players could depart.
Luke Shaw (left-back)
The 21-year-old was publicly criticised by Mourinho last season and it appears that his long-term future could lie away from the North West. Newcastle were interested in the England international when he was at Southampton and have been linked with a loan move. However, Shaw has enjoyed greater gametime recently and his wages are also likely to prove an issue.
Sergio Romero (goalkeeper)
Benitez needs a goalkeeper this month, and the 30-year-old is reportedly keen to leave Old Trafford in order to ensure he heads to this summer’s World Cup as Argentina’s No 1. Romero has been linked with a return to his homeland but, should he become available on loan, Newcastle may yet take an interest.
ARSENAL
The Gunners are expected to reshape their squad this month and there are likely to be plenty of outgoings. That means there will be some players available at the Emirates this month.
Joel Campbell (forward)
The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Real Betis, but has made just three league appearances for the Spanish club. There are reports that Arsenal will recall him from that loan deal and send him elsewhere so, if Newcastle get towards the end of the window and have failed to sign a forward, Campbell could be offered their way.
LEICESTER CITY
Islam Slimani (forward)
The Algerian international is in demand this month and Newcastle have enquired about his potential availability on loan. Slimani has actually started the Foxes’ last two games, but the 29-year-old is available this month - though Leicester would prefer to offload him permanently.
Kelechi Iheanacho (forward)
The 21-year-old joined Leicester for £25million during the summer but he has made just two starts all season.
Newcastle were linked with the Nigerian last year and, once again, if the Magpies’ striker search proves fruitless, it would surprise no-one if Iheanacho was offered their way late in the window.