The West Bromwich Albion star would be a superb addition to the Newcastle United squad this summer.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez will be desperate to add quality to his squad this summer, in an attempt to guide his side to a successful season upon their return to the Premier League.
The Spaniard will surely be looking to strengthen his options in the attacking wide areas, to increase competition for the likes of Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu.
With this in mind, Newcastle should attempt to sign Baggies winger Matt Phillips, who they were interested in bringing to St James’ Park in 2016, according to the Chronicle.
The 26-year-old eventually chose West Brom over a move to Tyneside last summer, and moved to the Hawthorns from Queens Park Rangers for a fee believed to be in the region of £5.5 million.
The pacey winger went on to enjoy an extremely successful campaign with Tony Pulis’ side, from an individual perspective at least, scoring five goals and chipping in with eight assists in 29 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies.
That kind of attacking output could prove to be priceless for Newcastle this season, and would ease the burden on Dwight Gayle as the Magpies’ main goal threat.
West Bromwich Albion’s Matt Phillips in action
Phillips can play anywhere along the front-line, and that versatility would enable Benitez to play with more tactical flexibility, by making in-game changes without having to call upon his substitutes.
He is still under contract at the Hawthorns for another three years, however, so Newcastle would surely have to offer the Baggies a substantial increase on the £5.5 million they paid to secure his services just 12 months ago.
The Magpies are flush with cash, however, following the windfall they received after earning promotion to the Premier League, and should be easily capable of coming up with a package the would tempt the Black Country outfit into selling one of their prized assets.
West Bromwich Albion’s Matt Phillips in action
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