Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Eljero Elia, but he would surely prove a bargain at Newcastle.
During his time as Liverpool manager, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was renowned for his indulgence when it came to the transfer market.
He brought in superstars such as Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and Pepe Reina, but flops such as Albert Riera, Andriy Voronin and Mark Gonzalez.
In 2009, the Daily Mirror claimed Liverpool were interested in signing speed machine Eljero Elia from Hamburg for a reported fee of £10million. Now, he is worth a fraction of that price at just £1.5million.
At 31 years of age, Elia boasts much more experience than he did when Benitez first became interested. His form with Turkish high-flyers Basaksehir is arguably the best form of his life, and it has attracted Premier League interest.
Indeed, Championship winners Wolves are interested in the 28-time Netherlands international according to the Daily Mail, who is available for the knockdown price as his contract in Turkey expires in the summer of 2019.
This season, he has scored eight goals from out wide in just 29 league and cup appearances, as well as laying on three assists which is said to have alerted Wolves.
But Newcastle should not pass up an opportunity to sign a player that is so admired by Benitez, after the Spanish boss reportedly monitored Elia nine years ago. Benitez must consider luring the wide man to St. James’ Park.
For such a bargain price, Newcastle would be foolish trying to spend big bucks on a player that offers more or less the same quality as Elia. With owner Mike Ashley likely to be tight with the purse, Elia would be perfect on Tyneside.
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