Tom Cairney has been in inspired form for Fulham this season – but Newcastle United could offer him a chance to play in the Premier League.
Tom Cairney of Fulham scores a stunner in a 3-1 win at Newcastle
Though Newcastle United have already secured their place in the Premier League next season, manager Rafael Benitez may still have kept a beady eye on the Championship play-offs.
Because, after Fulham’s 2-1 aggregate defeat to Reading, it appears that The Magpies could hardly have a better chance of luring Tom Cairney to St James’ Park this summer.
The Chronicle reports that Newcastle were very interested in January, only for The Cottagers’ outlandish £20 million asking price bringing a premature end to any negotiations. However, Fulham held all the cards at the time and were unwilling to let their talisman leave midway through the season as they pushed for the top six.
Now, however, with another year in the second tier confirmed, Fulham’s bargaining position has certainly been weakened.
As a result, The Chronicle claims that Newcastle are likely to renew their interest with Cairney a firm favourite of Benitez and his coaching staff. The Scotland international scored 13 goals and produced 11 assists in a stand-out individual campaign, earning a place in the Championship Team of the Season.
Furthermore, with The Magpies lacking goal threat and natural cutting edge from central midfield, Cairney, whose grandfather is reportedly a Newcastle fan, purports to provide an extra attacking dimension at St James’ Park.
And there’s little doubt that he is ready to step up to the Premier League. And, for now, staying at Fulham would deny him that chance.
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