According to The Telegraph, Rafael Benitez is keen on a return to Newcastle United – and wants to sign both John Stones and Ross Barkley.
It’s claimed that Newcastle’s long-awaited takeover could finally be resolved this week, potentially sparking a bold new era on Tyneside.
Newcastle would have huge money to spend if their £300million takeover goes through, but it will spark questions about the future of Steve Bruce, with a big-name appointment potentially wanted.
Benitez is thought to be interested in the job, having only left Newcastle last summer. It would be a costly move to bring Benitez back from Dalian Professional, but it wouldn’t be a problem.
Intriguingly, this report claims that Benitez already has two transfer targets in mind. Manchester City defender Stones and Chelsea midfielder Barkley are allegedly the players he wants.
It’s noted that Benitez considered trying to sign Barkley from Everton in January 2018, but Newcastle couldn’t get close to Chelsea’s proposal.
West Ham want Barkley too this summer, but Benitez would seemingly hope that the exciting project at Newcastle can lure the playmaker to St James’ Park.
Defender Stones hasn’t progressed as hoped in his four years at City. It may now be time for Stones to leave, as he needs to be playing regular first-team football in order to improve.
That may come at Newcastle, and Benitez would seemingly push for two English talents who have lost their way in recent times, in the hope of getting them back on track at Newcastle.
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