Adam Armstrong looks set to seal a move away from St James’ Park if today’s reports are to be believed, with The Sun claiming he’s now closing in on a £3m switch to Blackburn.
The England U-21 international has endured several loan spells away from Tyneside over the last few years, having mixed success during stints with Coventry, Barnsley, Bolton and Blackburn in both League One and the Championship, however it now seems like he’ll be leaving for good.
Having not featured in our last three pre-season games, it looks like Benitez has made his mind up – and this news would confirm that.
Here’s a snippet from The Sun’s latest piece today, suggesting newly promoted Blackburn now look set to sign him permanently for £3m:
‘BLACKBURN ROVERS are set to win the race to sign Adam Armstrong in a £3million deal from Newcastle United.
‘The England Under-21s star is heading back to Ewood Park after a successful loan spell last season.’
It’s a funny one when it comes to Armstrong. He’s diminutive, quick and has a real eye for goal, but he’s only ever actually proven himself in League One so far – and I suspect that’s why Rafa is deciding to cash in.
The fact he’s done so well at youth level with England will always make us wonder if we’re selling a future star, but the reality is that he’s yet to prove he can do it in the second tier (having struggled during spells with Barsnely and Bolton), never mind in the top flight.
Personally I’d have loaned him out again, but if this £3m means we end up having that extra bit of cash to sign a first-team striker this summer, then maybe it’s a wise move from Benitez?
At Barnsley and Bolton he was wasted. Barnsley played a long ball game and Bolton stuck him on the wing. Not fair to judge on that. As England’s highest youth scorer – joint with Michael Owen – I suspect this will come back to haunt us. No change there then.
Bobbybee(Quote)