Newcastle United’s interest in the Derby County winger was laughed off by the Rams’ previous boss in January.
Tom Ince celebrates
Newcastle United’s alleged interest in Tom Ince was laughed off by their former boss Steve McClaren – then in charge of Derby County – in January.
McClaren told BBC Sport the £8 million fee suggested was only enough to buy Ince’s weaker right foot but, with the summer window looming, has the situation now changed?
How’s he getting on?
In a mediocre season for Derby, Ince has been the Rams’ standout performer, scoring 12 times in 38 Championship outings – to equal his second best goalscoring campaign. He’s also created seven for his teammates.
Do Newcastle still need him?
Despite being close to bringing back former Toon star Andros Townsend in January, Benitez never did satisfy his craving for a left-footed right-winger and is likely to try again this summer, with his side set to become a Premier League outfit once more.
Can they get him?
Derby manager Gary Rowett
Rams boss Gary Rowett has admitted via the Derby Telegraph he may have to sell to buy this summer, and sacrificing a player of Ince’s quality could seriously enhance his budget. With Derby looking like falling short again in their quest for promotion, the 25-year-old may feel the time is right to move on – and a Rafa reunion would surely appeal to the former Liverpool youngster.
Verdict: 7/10 – More likely than it was in January, but Newcastle may have bigger fish to fry.
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