Tammy Abraham appears to be heading for Swansea City despite Newcastle United’s interest.
England Under-21 striker Tammy Abraham
Swansea City look to have beaten Newcastle United to the signing of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.
However, there is a way in which Magpies could exact their revenge on the Welsh side, using Rafa Benitez’s contacts.
Both clubs are said to be chasing centre-backs this summer, with Martin Skrtel the latest to be linked with a move to Swansea.
Neverthless, it was Benitez, the Newcastle manager, who first brought Skrtel to Liverpool from Zenit St Petersburg nine years ago, and the Spaniard could do worse than to engineer a reunion with the Fenerbahce player at St James’ Park this summer.
Eibar defender Florian Lejeune [right]
While Newcastle are said to be closing in on a move for Eibar centre-back Florian Lejeune, having a player of Skrtel’s top-level experience beside him could be extremely beneficial – given the Frenchman’s lack of it.
And with Fenerbahce reportedly looking to recoup the £5 million they paid for the Slovakian a year ago [The Sun, 21 June, page 53], acquiring both players would still work out cheaper than either of Harry Maguire [now of Leicester City] or Eliaquim Mangala alone.
Former Liverpool Martin Skrtel [left] with then boss Rafa Benitez
Swansea have already proved themselves to be an attractive proposition with Abraham’s capture – although Benitez’s relationship with Skrtel could swing it for Newcastle on this occasion, should they enter the race to sign him.
Should Newcastle United make a move for Skrtel?
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