With the end of the season looming, might there be any January targets which Newcastle United revisit? Including players from Fulham and Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
As many expected, Newcastle United have enjoyed an excellent season in the Championship after being relegated from the English top flight at the end of last season. After managing to keep hold of manager, Rafa Benitez, many thought Newcastle United would bounce straight back up, and that looks like being exactly what they’ll do.
Despite not strengthening the side in January, Newcastle United have continued their march on at the top of the league, and despite the great form of Chris Hugton’s Brighton and Hove Albion, the Magpies are still holding on to the top spot. Finally, Newcastle United fans are getting to watch their team play some great football in a division whose difficulty shouldn’t be underestimated.
Looking back at January, Newcastle were linked with a number high profile signings, but for whatever reason, the Magpies chose not to bring anybody in during that window. With the potential of Premier League football coming up, might any of their January targets crop up again in the summer? HITC Sport takes a look at three potential candidates.
1. Tom Cairney (Fulham)
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates
A report in The Daily Mail has recently suggested that Newcastle United could well be back in for Fulham’s attacking midfielder Tom Cairney this summer. The young Scot has been on fire for Slavisa Jokanovic’s side this season, and could still be about to lead them to promotion through the play-offs. His ability on the ball, as well as his knack for scoring spectacular long-distance goals has lit up the Championship this season, and there’s no doubt he could make a big impact in the Premier League, if given the opportunity.
2. Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest)
Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn (R) celebrates
The Nottingham Post have recently reported that Newcastle United are ready to reignite their interest in Forest winger Ben Osborn this summer, as Rafa Benitez quite rightly looks to a bit more attacking threat to the Magpies left-hand side. Osborn has been one of the few highlights in what has been a wholly miserable season for Nottingham Forest fans, and may well be less expensive than the aforementioned Tom Cairney.
3. Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Dries Mertens – Napoli
Potentially lining up for his second spell under Rafa Benitez, after playing for the Spaniard at Napoli, Belgium midfielder Dries Mertens could be a potential summer target for Newcastle United, according to a report in The Chronicle, if a hugely ambitious one. The winger, who can also play as a number 10 behind the striker, has been in sensational form for Italian giants Napoli this season, and will likely be hunted by a number of European sides this summer. Will the allure of Premier League football under his former boss turn Dries Mertens head in the direction of Newcastle?
Dries Mertens – Napoli
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