Three Players From Mid-Table Premier League Clubs Who Newcastle Can Target
Having made it back to the Premier League in their first attempt, Newcastle United will be keen on putting on a strong showing on their return to the big league.
Manager Rafael Benitez may have had the best squad in the EFL Championship at his disposal, which he led to title glory, but he will need to strengthen his roster if his team are to put up a fight in the English top division.
Ideally, Newcastle would want to bring in players that have been in the Premier League for a considerable amount of time; players that have the experience and the know-how of the top division and can hit the ground running immediately. But they will come at a reasonable price in the current inflated state of the transfer market. To that end, here are three players from the Premier League that could add much value to the Newcastle camp and also not put a dent in the club’s coffers, if signed in the summer:
Troy Deeney (Watford)
The 28-year old Watford captain has done very well in the past two years for his team in the Premier League, having led them to a promotion to the top flight. Deeney, in his two years in the top division, has scored 23 goals from 74 games, 10 of which have come in the ongoing campaign.
There were rumours of unrest between the Englishman and Watford manager Walter Mazzarri, leading to speculations that he might be looking to leave in the summer (Daily Mail). However, with the Italian boss set to leave at the end of the season, that situation has resolved itself. But the fact that Watford don’t look like a team that is headed in the upward direction, there are good chances that they may get dragged into the relegation scramble next season, which might force Deeney to consider a move.
A chance to play at a club of Newcastle’s stature, under a reputed and successful manager like Rafael Benitez and a better pay packet may appeal to Deeney if the Magpies come calling.
Demarai Gray (Leicester City)
The 20-year old has found first-team football hard to come by with the last year’s Premier League winners since his move from Birmingham City back in January 2016.
Gray may not have played a lot, but his innate abilities have been on display each time he has taken the field. He has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season – only 14 of which have been from the get-go, and has scored twice and set up 6.
The England youth international has the pace and the trickery on the ball to pose a serious threat to oppositions from the flank and has scored a couple of scorchers this season, highlighting his technical ability and immense confidence. With Newcastle lacking options on the left-flank, Gray could prove to be a smart addition for the Championship winners.
Phil Jagielka (Everton)
The veteran Everton defender had admitted recently that his future at the Merseyside club is uncertain as his contract is set to enter the final twelve months at the end of the season.
The 34-year old centre-half found himself down the pecking order this season under Ronald Koeman who preferred to use the defensive partnership of Ramiro Funes Mori and Ashley Williams. But since Funes Mori’s season-ending injury, Jagielka has once again become an important cog for the Toffees. The England international has made 26 appearances in the league, scoring thrice and setting up one.
Jagielka may be on the wrong side of 30’s but has shown that he can still perform at this level consistently. A veteran with more 300 Premier League appearances in eleven years – 10 with Everton and just a solitary season with Sheffield United (2006-07), the experience that Jagielka will bring to a relatively young Newcastle backline will be immense.