Warren Barton has identified two signings he would make if he was calling the shots at Newcastle United. He feels his old side need some leadership – and wants Wolves ace Conor Coady, and Aaron Ramsey, brought in.
Reports claim that Newcastle are closing in on their second signing of the January window in the form of Burnley target man Chris Wood. Callum Wilson’s injury has forced the Toon’s owners to bring in another striker.
But the Toon are yet to bring in a centre-back, arguably the biggest priority ahead of the January window. The likes of Sven Botman and Benoit Badiashile have been linked. A midfielder it also important, too.
The Sun said Newcastle wanted Coady, not long after the new owners had taken over in October. Meanwhile, Ramsey continues to be linked with the Toon – but CM say he is unconvinced in joining a side in a relegation scrap.
Ex-Newcastle man Barton thinks his old side lacks leaders, and has identified England and Wales stars Coady and Ramsey as players that can change that. He thinks the two signings would be ideal.
“I would go for Ramsey, he’s got a point to prove,” Barton said. “Great attitude, works hard in training, he wants to be a leader, I think he’s got a driving force. Gary Speed said to me ‘He’s a player, don’t worry about him’.
“Here’s another player. Conor Coady, I look at someone like him – a leader, organised in the back, versatile,” Barton continued, when talking to TalkSPORT earlier this week about potential incomings at Newcastle.
Barton on Coady and Ramsey: Could two end up at Newcastle?
With Trippier and Wood arriving on Tyneside, clearly the signings of Coady and Ramsey would fit that identity. Proven Premier League performers who can hit the ground running and get Newcastle out of the mire.
Trippier and Wood are 31 and 30 – at the peak of their powers. Coady is 28, but the chances of him leaving Wolves is almost zero – he has a contract at Wolves until the summer of 2025. Ramsey is much, much more likely.
While the aforementioned report states Ramsey has reservations – he would rather join a club in Europe – there are not likely to be many suitors due to his wages. He might have to accept, even a loan move, to Newcastle.
Reports say Newcastle are ‘confident’ of a loan deal and willing to pay half of his £250,000-a-week wages.
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