Newcastle need a bright spark in the final third to avoid relegation.
AC Milan could reportedly sell playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu for a bargain fee of £13million in the summer according to reports, and Newcastle United cannot let such a chance pass them by.
Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb claim 24-year-old midfielder Calhanoglu could leave for the knockdown price after struggling to reach his potential at the San Siro – despite providing an assist at a ratio of one every three games.
The 39-time Turkey international made his name at Bayer Leverkusen before joining Milan, scoring a series of wonder goals for the German side and developing a reputation of being able to score free-kicks.
But other than his long-range shooting ability and set-piece quality, it is the former Hamburg star’s football intelligence that allows him to create something from nothing – producing 20 assists in 60 AC Milan appearances.
Looking at the current Newcastle squad, those assets are significantly lacking. Despite three straight Premier League wins, The Toon have scored a meagre 11 goals in 13 outing – not good enough if they want to stay up.
Newcastle lack a player that can create something from nothing, a player that can pull a rabbit out of the hat. They miss the creativity of a playmaker who can put set-pieces on the money, and a goal threat from free-kicks.
At £13million, Newcastle would solve all of those problems in an instant by winning the race for Calhanoglu in the January transfer window in a bargain deal for a player that is worth far more than such a figure.
Rafa Benitez has to convince owner Mike Ashley that if he is to sanction one deal to take Newcastle to the next level, it is a move for the Turkish star.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
