Should Newcastle United move for free agent Gael Clichy?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaks to Gael Clichy
Gael Clichy will leave Manchester City this summer after six seasons at the club, SkySports reported.
He won two league titles in addition to the one he helped Arsenal earn in 2003/04, and at 31 is likely to be in demand as a free agent.
Liverpool have been listed by SkyBet as 5/2 favourites to sign the Frenchman, but Newcastle United’s odds are also moving.
Yesterday afternoon they were fourth favourites at 8/1, and they have since dropped to 6/1, moving to third in the running.
Manchester City’s Gael Clichy in action with Swansea City’s Leroy Fer
The Toon have a big pot of money to spend this summer after earning promotion back to the Premier League, but they would not need to spend anything to acquire Clichy once his contract expires at the end of June.
Paul Dummett featured at left-back for the majority of last season, but he does not possess Clichy’s experience.
Manchester City’s Gael Clichy in action with Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
The Frenchman is a winner, and would be an outstanding addition to Rafa Benitez’s side.
Liverpool have a clear advantage over Newcastle, able to offer Clichy a challenge at the top end of the table as well as Champions League football, but this is where Toon boss Benitez could come into his own.
The Spaniard is one of the most respected managers in European football, and Clichy could be tempted to work with him.
Getting him in on a free will allow Newcastle to strengthen a key area while preserving their funds to spend on other positions, and would lay down a marker of the quality of players the club are capable of signing.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action with Manchester City’s Gael Clichy and as Raheem Sterling looks on
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