Newcastle United have reportedly looked into a deal for Watford wide man Ikechi Anya.
Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan in action with Watford’s Ikechi Anya
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United have weighed up a move to sign Watford winger Ikechi Anya before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
The Magpies are allegedly set to make Chelsea winger Christian Atsu their 12th signing of the summer, with the Ghanaian set to follow Matz Sels, Jesus Gamez, DeAndre Yedlin, Ciaran Clark, Grant Hanley, Achraf Lazaar, Isaac Hayden, Mohamed Diame, Matt Ritchie, Dwighy Gayle and Daryl Murphy to St. James’ Park.
Watford’s Ikechi Anya in action with Woking’s Jake Caprice
However, manager Rafael Benitez may yet be in the market for even more signings ahead of this week’s transfer deadline, with another winger believed to be on his wish list even after Atsu’s move is complete.
The Daily Mail report that, whilst talks have been opened with West Bromwich Albion over a potential deal for Callum McManaman, Newcastle are also weighing up alternatives, with Watford ace Ikechi Anya a third Premier League winger to be targeted.
Italy’s Andrea Barzagli and Scotland’s Ikechi Anya in action
Anya, 28, has had quite the career so far, as after struggling to make the grade with Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford City and Halesowen Town, he took the plunge and signed with Glenn Hoddle’s Academy in 2008 in a bid to boost his career.
Spells in Spain with Sevilla Atletico, Celta Vigo, Granada and Cadiz followed, all of which seemingly helped him develop as a player – and he’s been an important player for Watford since joining the Hornets in 2012.
With almost 150 appearances for Watford, Anya has scored nine goals for the club and even made himself a regular with the Scottish national team, scoring three times in 21 caps for his country.
Watford’s Ikechi Anya in action with Queens Park Rangers’ Jake Bidwell
A diminutive, pacy wide man who can play as a wing back or winger, Anya appears to have been pushed down the Watford pecking order under new manager Walter Mazzarri – and Newcastle are believed to have looked into the possibility of signing him.
That versatility may be appealing to Benitez, McManaman appears to be a higher priority right now, with Anya potentially more of a fallback option if the deal for McManaman hits a snag.
Would you like to see Newcastle sign Anya?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
