Newcastle United are planning to make a move for Norwich City play-maker Todd Cantwell if Steve Bruce’s side manage to retain their place in the Premier League, as reported by EuroSport.
With Daniel Farke’s Canaries soaring ten points clear at the top of the Championship, there is an argument to be made that Norwich are more likely to be playing top-flight football in 2021/22 than a sliding Newcastle side.
Sunday’s miserable goalless draw at West Brom means the Magpies are teetering nervously over the trap door as Fulham claw at their coat-tails.
A severe lack of cutting edge has cost Newcastle dear time and again this season. And, in the absence of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruce’s toothless front line barely tested Baggies ‘keeper Sam Johnstone at The Hawthorns.
With that in mind, a skilful, technically gifted attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and the ability to wriggle through the tightest of gaps feels like exactly what Newcastle need.
Cantwell, the ‘Dereham Deco’, impressed during his debut Premier League season in 2019/20, scoring six times and sparking rumours of a £30 million move to Liverpool (The Athletic).
Norwich will demand a huge fee for Cantwell this summer too. And, while Newcastle raided Carrow Road for Jamal Lewis last year, it is hard to imagine the gifted 23-year-old joining him at St James’ Park.
Eurosport adds that Norwich are not planning to sell any of their key players as they look to establish themselves in the top flight at the second time of asking.
“His performance had everything, we spoke tonight about work rate and everything else, look at this, his desire to get back (and defend),” Newcastle legend Alan Shearer told Match of the Day after Cantwell inspired a 2-0 win at Everton (13 November 2019, 10.35pm).
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