Why Leicester City are reportedly ready to let in-form Tom Lawrence leave for such a minimal fee is anyone’s guess? Newcastle United could take advantage.
Whatever Claudio Ranieri does with his Saturday nights, there’s very little reason to believe he sits down in front of Channel 5 to watch Ipswich Town’s latest 30 second highlight package. But maybe he should. Because the Daily Mail report that Leicester City could be about to accept offers of a measly £1 million for loaned out winger Tom Lawrence.
You’d call it daylight robbery if they weren’t essentially giving him away. Lawrence may only have featured four times in Leicester colours since signing from Manchester United but his dazzling form during a temporary spell with Ipswich, capped by his 30 yard blockbuster against Blackburn Rovers recently, certainly suggests he deserves a chance in The Foxes’ underperforming side.
However, their loss could be Newcastle United’s gain.
The Daily Mail report that the Championship league leaders are one of six clubs, including North East rivals Sunderland, to have expressed an interest in the 23-year-old and with good reason.
Rafa Benitez has been in the market for a winger all month and, with Andros Townsend’s return from Crystal Palace in the balance, Lawrence’s availability could be the breakthrough he has been waiting for.
The Wales international is capable of flitting between tricking past opponents on the wing or pulling the strings in the centre, offering a level of versatility that will no doubt excite a manger obsessed with tactical balance.
Furthermore, the fact that Lawrence has outscored each Newcastle midfielder barring Matt Ritchie will surely weight heavily on The Magpies’ decision whether or not to stump up such a minor fee for a major Championship performer.
Leicester’s loss could well be Newcastle’s gain.
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