Newcastle have been repeatedly linked with a whole host of goalkeepers, but could this Man United star be the perfect signing?
A central midfielder and a striker will be high on Rafa Benitez’s transfer wishes at Newcastle United this month, but a goalkeeper will surely be at the top of the Toon’s priorities before the January deadline of 11pm on January 31.
Benitez has chopped and changed between Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow, with the latter producing a near-immaculate performance against Stoke City on New Year’s Day to keep the Potters at bay during the Toon’s 1-0 win.
However, his error-strewn spell at Newcastle will still be fresh in Benitez’s mind and the Spaniard will want to sign a new goalkeeper if he has the funds available to him.
Since gaining promotion from the Championship, the Magpies have been linked with the likes of Pepe Reina, Willy Caballero and Orestis Karnezis but Benitez has so far failed to land a new shot stopper.
Now, Benitez will surely be alerted to Manchester United’s back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero, after the Independent claimed the 30-year-old Argentine is desperate to leave Old Trafford to save his 2018 World Cup hopes.
Romero remains firmly planted as David De Gea’s number two, with game time considerably unlikely unless Jose Mourinho’s side can progress in the FA Cup.
But even a handful of games in the cup is unlikely to be enough to save the former Sampdoria and AZ Alkmaar’s chances of being named first-choice goalkeeper for Argentina ahead of the summer’s finals in Russia.
Romero needs regular, top-tier football to prove to Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli that he deserves to be his country’s number one and a move to St. James’ Park would certainly give him that opportunity.
A loan move with a view to a permanent buy would be the best move for Newcastle, if they can tempt United to part with their back up goalkeeper who reportedly earns £50,000 a week at Old Trafford according to the Daily Star.
His quick reflexes and inch-perfect distribution would prove key in keeping Newcastle in the Premier League as the Toon continue in their right to avoid the drop come May 2018.
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