Will Newcastle regret not signing Michu?

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The Magpies reportedly had the chance to bring the Swansea City striker to St James’ Park.

According to the Shields Gazette, however, that chance was turned down as Newcastle United prioritised other transfer targets.

Now, the opportunity to bring Michu to Tyneside looks to have been consigned to ancient history as the Swansea man nears a loan move to Napoli.

But will Alan Pardew rue turning the 28-year-old down?

As Opta stats show, an injury-hit season still saw the Spaniard average more goals per appearance than any Newcastle player bar Yoan Gouffran last term. Michu was also only beaten by one player in terms of average assists per game – Moussa Sissoko.

In the dribbling department, Michu was outshone by Sissoko and Hatem Ben Arfa, though he still fared reasonably well. It was his passing in the final third that could have most benefited the Magpies, however, with the 28-year-old averaging 11 successful final-third passes per game.

It is perhaps a little surprising that Newcastle rejected the Spaniar, then, considering he was available on a loan deal – just as Loic Remy was last campaign.

As statistics from the season before last show, Michu was also considerably more lethal – as you would expect – before he was plagued by fitness problems. With 18 Premier League goals to his name, the Spaniard’s goalscoring record was only bettered by four players, while he also won an abundance of aerial duels.

That is not to say, of course, that he would necessarily have fit in on Tyneside. Siem de Jong’s signing means Newcastle have a younger alternative in attacking midfield, while Pardew is still looking to bring a striker to the club.

But Michu’s availability and ability made him a very reasonable target for the Magpies, while the likes of Remy Cabella and co. will surely cost them a lot more.