Former Arsenal youngster Chris Willock could be heading back to England with Newcastle United, Leeds and Millwall all reportedly seeking a loan move.
Newcastle United fans, not to mention the manager, were hoping to have a new owner in place by the time 2017 turned into 2018.
Instead, however, Mike Ashley remains at the helm, meaning the Magpies may be forced to scrimp and save once again in the transfer market, attempting to cobble together a competitive Premier League side on a pittance of a budget.
And one of the latest players to be linked with a move to St James’ Park suggests that Rafa Benitez may be forced to rely on cheap deals and unproven youngsters again rather than the established talents needed to keep Newcastle in the top flight.
According to The Mirror (live transfer blog, 11.44am), Newcastle are battling the likes of Leeds United and Millwall to sign Chris Willock on a short-term loan deal from Benfica.
The 19-year-old left Arsenal for the Estadio da Luz in the summer after allowing his contract to run down, but has not really made an impression in Benfica’s first-team. He has not even made his Primeira Liga debut and the report states that the reigning champions are keen for Willock to leave on loan to further his development.
And with all due respect to Leeds, whose attacking style under Thomas Christiansen is sure to suit the skilful forward, Newcastle surely must be aiming higher.
It is no secret that the Magpies need a new striker in January, but a player who has not made a senior league appearance, let alone scored a goal in his professional career, does not look like the sort of signing that would be the difference between staying up and going down.
Willock is a player of huge potential – but Newcastle need more.
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