Newcastle United missed out on some key transfer targets in January.
Football pundit and famous Newcastle fan Don Hutchison wrote his regular column for the Chronicle, and highlighted a potential concern for the Magpies with regards to the players they missed out on bringing into the club in January.
Read Benitez’ cagey exchange with reporters here
There are mixed feelings currently emanating from St James’ Park.
Rafa Benitez’ men sit at the top of the Championship table, but a large percentage of the Toon Army were unhappy with their side’s transfer business throughout the January transfer window, as was their Spanish boss.
Don Hutchison
And Hutchison, who made 39 appearances for Newcastle’s fierce rivals Sunderland, believes Benitez could face stiff competition from some of the Premier League’s best clubs for the transfer targets he missed out on in January, when writing his column for the Chronicle:
“January should have been the start of building his squad for next season’s Premier League, which is why he was after players like Andros Townsend, who are proven at that level. The worry now is that by waiting until the summer, someone like Tottenham Hotspur or Everton might step in to sign a player the Magpies had their eye on.”
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
The priority for Newcastle United, however, will be to achieve promotion back to the Premier League, and then worry about any potential signings.
Lascelles delivers Benitez verdict
And with a six point lead over third placed Reading, with a game in hand over Jaap Stam’s men, they have every chance of booking their place amongst England’s elite once again.
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