Newcastle United were linked with a move for the Liverpool midfielder earlier this year.
Liverpool’s Kevin Stewart in action with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi
Newcastle United are one of several clubs said to have shown an interest in Liverpool midfielder Kevin Stewart in January [Echo].
The Reds reportedly rebuffed all approaches for the 23-year-old, although it was claimed they would reassess his situation at the end of the campaign.
So could Newcastle revive their pursuit this summer?
How’s he getting on?
It’s not going well. Since Newcastle’s interest was first reported on 3 January, Stewart has appeared for Liverpool’s first team on just two occasions, both in the FA Cup and both against Plymouth – probably not what he expected upon signing a new five-year deal only last November.
Do Newcastle still need him?
The sheer amount of midfielders linked with moves to St James’ Park in January suggests they certainly think so. The Magpies have bodies, but whether the likes of Isaac Hayden, Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita can match the ambition of Rafa Benitez remains to be seen.
Newcastle United’s Jack Colback in action
Can they get him?
Given Stewart’s lack of action, it is likely that Liverpool will have relaxed their stance post-January, while the player may well have seen enough to want to call time on his Anfield career. However, with players like Gylfi Sigurdsson already associated with Newcastle ahead of the summer, the Magpies might feel they have bigger, more established fish to fry. If they are still keen on Stewart then price could be a factor, with the Reds said to value him within the £10-12 million bracket, which seems pretty hefty.
Verdict: 6/10 – if Newcastle want him, it could be on.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
