Newcastle need a player to replace the versatility of the departed Anita – Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Conor Coady could be that man.
Newcastle United won’t have sold too many shirts with ‘8 Anita’ on the back, the Dutchman far from the most universal fan favourite in The Magpies’ squad.
Yet, it was still something of a surprise when Newcastle decided against handing Vurnon Anita a new deal upon the end of last season and allowed the former Ajax youngster to move to Leeds United on a free transfer.
After all, Anita was the definition of a ‘useful squad player’. Capable of filling in at right-back, left-back or defensive midfield, the versatile 28-year-old would certainly have come in handy for Newcastle during a long season in which their squad depth has already been tested by injuries and suspensions.
Though with The Sun claiming that Newcastle, along with Premier League rivals West Brom, are tracking Wolves’ Conor Coady, it appears that they have found a player capable of replacing the ‘jack of all trades’ Anita.
The former Liverpool youth captain was converted from a central midfielder into a right-back by Wolves manager Paul Lambert last season. And, since Nuno Espirito Santo arrived at the helm in the summer, Coady has now taken up a new position in the heart of a back three.
And the one-time England youth starlet was in fine form as Wolves kept Manchester City goalless across 120 minutes in the EFL Cup on Tuesday before losing on penalties.
The report adds that Coady, who is valued at £7 million, has recently penned a new contract at Molinuex. However, a player of his ilk could be priceless to Newcastle – especially without Anita around to fill every gap.
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