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?