Sheffield United starlet David Brooks is the latest highly-rated talent to slip through Newcastle United’s grasp.
Mike Ashley is about as popular on Tyneside as Paolo Di Canio. You only had to gauge the reaction to the news that the controversial owner is looking to sell Newcastle United before Christmas to understand just how desperate the fans are for the don of this so-called ‘Cockney Mafia’ to ride into the sunset.
Rafael Benitez, too, could be forgiven for dancing a merry jig. After all, the divisions between manager and owner have been well established following a frustrating transfer window in which Benitez was unable to bring in the vast majority of his top targets due to Ashley’s reluctance, or perhaps inability, to compete with Newcastle’s increasingly opulent Premier League rivals.
And, on Tuesday, it was reported that The Magpies had missed out on yet another transfer target.
No one’s fault this time
The Mirror reported on Monday that Newcastle had entered the race for Sheffield United’s highly-rated midfielder David Brooks. The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in English football and, after winning the Player of the Tournament award at the prestigious Toulon tournament in the summer, was valued at around £10 million.
Brooks looks like he’ll be staying at Brammal Lane for the foreseeable future, however. The Star reports that the youngster has agreed a new four-year deal with The Blades.
Though Ashley cannot be blamed for failing to stump up and bring another highly talented player to St James’ Park. As Brooks himself admitted to the Star, the prospect of helping Sheffield United to successive promotions, and a return to the Premier League, has convinced him that Yorkshire is the place to be right now.
And the fillip of regular first-team football, he adds, is crucial for his development. Minutes would be far from guaranteed at Newcastle and, on reflection, Brooks looks to have made the right decision at a crucial period in his career.
Benitez will be disappointed but the finger of blame cannot be pointed at Ashley for once.
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