Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney is reportedly a target for Newcastle United.
Tom Cairney of Fulham
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Newcastle United are preparing a bid believed to be in the region of £10 million for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.
The Scottish playmaker, who joined Fulham in 2015 from Blackburn Rovers, has been in outstanding form for the Cottagers this season, scoring 11 goals and making 10 assists.
The report goes on to suggest that Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, who signed a long-term contact with the club last summer, was present at Fulham’s fixture against Huddersfield Town to watch the player. It also suggests that Cairney, 26, is their top summer target.
But should this be the case? Though they haven’t run away with the Championship by any means, Newcastle United have been very impressive this season, and have not struggled to score goals from midfield.
Players such as Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran have really stepped up for the Magpies, with the former scoring 11 goals this season. In the centre of midfield, Shelvey and Hayden have formed an impressive partnership too. So where does Tom Cairney fit in?
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates
In truth, there are other areas of the side which require more work. Now the Magpies have secured promotion, a proven Premier League goalscorer could and should be at the top of their priority list.
Dwight Gayle has scored plenty of goals in the Championship this season, but his injury record will leave some Newcastle United fans concerned, especially considering that the back-up is under-performing Aleksander Mitrovic.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
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