Benitez ‘already planning’ surprise summer move to sign £15m-rated West Brom star – Report

According to the Daily Mail, Rafa Benitez is already eyeing a deal to bring versatile West Brom defender Craig Dawson to St James’ Park this summer.

Despite a brilliant run of form under Darren Moore, the Baggies fate was confirmed late last night, with Southampton’s win at Swansea confirming their relegation to the Championship.

Just a few hours on and the Mail are claiming that Benitez already has his eye on one of their key men, suggesting he’ll make a move to bring the experienced defender to Tyneside this summer.

The 28-year-old has racked up almost 200 appearances for the Baggies and is highly-rated at the Hawthorns – however, like so many transfer stories these days, I’m struggling to believe we’d pay the alleged £15m asking price.

Here’s a snippet from the Mail’s piece this morning:

“Newcastle are interested in West Brom defender Craig Dawson.

“Dawson will be a target for a number of top-flight clubs this summer after the Baggies’ relegation was confirmed.

“And the Magpies are already plotting a move for the £15million-rated versatile defender. Celtic are also keen on the 28-year-old.”

A solid defender who can play at right-back or as a centre-back (and also the man Islam Slimani kicked out a few weeks ago), but someone I can’t see us signing for that sort of fee.

Even if Rafa was handed a sizeable transfer kitty this summer, is Dawson a player you’d like to see added to our defensive ranks?

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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