Newcastle United need a goal-scorer and are desperate to bring Michy Batshuayi to St. James’ Park from Premier League champions Chelsea.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says he will not stand in anyone’s way if they wish to leave Stamford Bridge in January to boost their prospects of featuring in the World Cup at the end of this season. And this includes the seldom-seen striker Michy Batshuayi.
According to The Telegraph, the former Marseille striker is not unhappy at Stamford Bridge despite starting just two Premier League games all season, with Conte preferring to deploy Eden Hazard in a false nine role during Alvaro Morata’s recent absence.
It is understood, however, that Batshuayi wants to be sure of his place in Belgium’s World Cup squad; something that is far from certain with Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils boasting a plethora of highly talented attacking options.
These reports, therefore, have emerged at the perfect time for Newcastle United. Magpies manager Rafa Benitez wants a reliable goal-scorer first and foremost in January and ESPN claimed that Batshuayi is one of his top targets.
Newcastle do not have the funds to sign the £33 million striker permanently so are eyeing a loan deal until the end of the campaign. This should work out perfectly for all parties, including Batshuayi who is keen to fight for another chance at Stamford Bridge.
The Telegraph, however, reports that Chelsea will not let Batshuayi, or anyone else, leave without signing a replacement.
Ironically, this is the reason why Newcastle were denied the chance to sign him in the summer after Chelsea missed out on Fernando Llorente to Tottenham, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Benitez will be hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice.
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