How Could Newcastle United Line Up After January – Featuring Prime Transfer Targets
Newcastle United haven’t enjoyed the most memorable of the returns to the Premier League. Having earned promotion back to the top-flight, Rafael Benitez’s men find themselves at 13th place in the table, after 22 rounds of fixtures, just two points above the drop zone.
After enduring a difficult summer transfer window, the manager has hinted that the January window will be extremely important for the club’s fortunes going forward and has said that work is being done to bring players to the club in the winter.
“I don’t know. We are working hard to be ready, but at the moment, I don’t know,” the Spaniard was quoted by the Chronicle Live.
There have been quite a few players linked with a move to the St. James’ Park in recent times and here we take a look at a dream Newcastle line-up featuring some of their chief transfer targets.
Dream Newcastle XI
Joe Hart (GK)
The England shot-stopper has been a hot topic of discussion in the tabloids of late. Currently on loan at West Ham United from Manchester City, Hart is unhappy with the amount of playing time he is receiving at the London club and is looking to switch clubs ahead of the World Cup.
Newcastle have been heavily linked with the stopper and while he hasn’t been consistent of late, he would represent an improvement on the likes of Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot. His experience in the Premier League could come in very handy.
Javi Manquillo (RB)
The summer signing has been fairly solid in the backline, playing on either flank. A constant feature in the line-up week in week out, he will continue to be a prominent part going forward.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The club captain is a highly influential player on the pitch and is trusted heavily by Rafa. A definite starter when fit and available.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
The Irishman has struck up a solid defensive partnership with Lascelles and that has kept summer signing Florian Lejeune out of the side.
Kenedy (LB)
The Chelsea ace is probably the player who is the closest to signing for Newcastle in January, albeit on a loan deal. The left-back position has been something of a worry for Benitez this season, with Paul Dummett’s injury and lack of reliable options. Kenedy hasn’t played a whole lot for the Blues this season, but is a talented player nevertheless and could have a positive impact at Newcastle if given a long run in the side.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
The Englishman, despite his iffy discipline, is Newcastle’s best option in the middle of the park. He will have a huge role to play in the remainder of the season.
Mikel Merino (CM)
The former Borussia Dortmund man has settled in very nicely at his new club and has established himself as a key cog. Having just returned from an injury, he will look to make a serious impact in the second half of the season.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The Scotsman continues to look for his first goal of the season. Started off brilliantly in the Premier League but has failed to maintain consistency and has faded off in recent weeks. An important player for the Magpies, he will need to fire on all cylinders.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
The Spaniard is finally starting to show some signs of form after a slow start to the season. Has scored 3 goals in two games since the turn of the year and will look to continue contributing in a similar manner.
Jacob Murphy (LW)
The summer arrival from Norwich City is slowly starting to grow into the player Newcastle fans had hoped for when the club signed him. Will have a big role to play, as the second half of the season unfolds.
Danny Ings (ST)
Another player who is very much on the club’s radar is Liverpool’s Danny Ings. Having recovered from a long-term injury, the former Burnley man has found game time hard to come by at Anfield and is on the lookout for a temporary move. He may not have played a lot this term, but Ings is someone who has proven himself in the Premier League at a very young age and could be a great piece of business if Rafa gets him firing again.