Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing two targets Rafael Benitez wasn’t sure about.
According to The Mirror, Newcastle United will press on looking for signings without a manager – and may now sign two players that Rafael Benitez didn’t want.
The Magpies announced on Monday that Benitez is leaving the club, as they have failed to come to an agreement on a new contract for the Spaniard.
Benitez will leave when his deal ends on Sunday, leaving fans absolutely raging, as one of the most popular Newcastle managers ever is now on his way out of the club after a breakdown in the relationship with Mike Ashley.
Ashley and Lee Charnley must now find a replacement, but it seems that they’re ready to sanction big moves for Hoffenheim striker Joelinton and Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
It’s claimed that Newcastle chiefs are pressing ahead with transfer plans, which involves trying to sign two players that Benitez didn’t want in Joelinton and Saint-Maximin.
With Joelinton valued at £30million and Saint-Maximin at £25million, Ashley could sanction a shock £55million raid, but Newcastle fans will surely feel it’s unlikely he’ll splash that kind of money when he barely backed Benitez.
The pair do though fit the bill as talented young players with resale potential. Starting with Joelinton, the Brazilian striker hit 11 goals and nine assists last season, starring in the Hoffenheim attack.
Those numbers show that he’s far more than just goals, and his link-up play is hugely impressive too, whilst he’s also similar to Salomon Rondon physically, meaning he could be a Rondon replacement.
Saint-Maximin, 22, notched six goals and three assists last term, catching the eye with his blistering pace and technical ability, and he’d provide Newcastle with the spark out wide that they really need.
The pair would be a real statement of intent if they do head to Newcastle for a £55m outlay, but there’s a chance Ashley just wants one or the other, even though they don’t play in the same position.
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