Could Newcastle United raid Reading, Derby County or Norwich City for their star widemen this winter?
The Chronicle reports that Newcastle United are looking to add to their wide options next month, with Christian Atsu off to the African Cup of Nations and the contract of Yoan Gouffran expiring at the end of the campaign.
Having turned a reported profit of £31.2 million in the summer, Newcastle are certainly not short of a few quid and the following three players – who play for Championship rivals Reading, Derby County and Norwich City – could be well within Rafa Benitez’s reach.
Garath McCleary (Reading)
McCleary is in arguably the form of his career at Reading, who are Newcastle’s closest rivals after Brighton. A move for the 29-year-old, whose contract expires in June, would not only improve the Magpies – it could also help to widen the gap between themselves and the play-off places. McCleary has scored seven goals and created another six in 20 Championship appearances this season.
Tom Ince (Derby County)
One of Benitez’s former players at Liverpool, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the Championship’s best over the past few campaigns and, on current form, is long overdue another stab at the Premier League. However, aided by Ince’s seven goals and three assists, Derby have won eight of their 11 matches under former Newcastle boss Steve McClaren and may give the Magpies something to think about over the coming months. As with McCleary, Newcastle could kill two birds with one stone here.
Robbie Brady (Norwich City)
Already linked with a £10 million move to Aston Villa by the Sun, the versatile Brady could also be a worthwhile signing for Newcastle, who are also set to lose left-back Achraf Lazaar to this winter’s AFCON. Norwich have slumped since September’s 4-3 defeat at St. James’ Park, in which Brady set up two of his side’s goals, and the 24-year-old may feel the time is right to move on.
Would you like to see any of the above at Newcastle United in January?
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