Newcastle will listen to offers for Ciaran Clark in January should Florian Lejeune return in time and could also loan out Rob Elliot in the new year according to the Chronicle’s Mark Douglas.
Despite two wins, we still desperately need some additions in January, mainly at number 10 and in the full back areas, so any wages we can get of the books can only help in trying to persuade Ashley to put his hand in his pocket for once.
Clark and Elliott have barely featured this year and here’s a snippet from the Chronicle’s piece:
‘Newcastle may also be busy with outgoings in January with some fringe men looking for more first team football.
‘If Florian Lejeune returns in time, Newcastle would listen to offers for Ciaran Clark while either Rob Elliot or Freddie Woodman may also make a loan move with Newcastle over-loaded with goalkeepers and centre-backs.’
One key strength of Newcastle currently is our quality and depth at centre half, with Lascelles, Lejeune, Fernandez and Schar all on our books and doing well.
Lejeune is nearing fitness after an outstanding campaign last season, meaning it should be no surprise to hear that fifth choice centre-back Ciaran Clark could be sold – even if he did start some of our opening games of the season.
Clark did a solid job in the Championship for us following his move from Aston Villa but like so many, isn’t quite Premier League level for me – hence why Rafa was so keen on Schar and Fernandez this summer. He seems a good character though and will want regular football; so it is likely a top half Championship side would pay United a fee of £3m or so for his services.
Elliot is very much in the same boat really and will want to play regularly elsewhere as Dubravka has proved to be our undisputed number 1 following some outstanding displays since arriving last January from Sparta Prague.
Newcastle also need to free up some game time for outstanding prospect Freddie Woodman, who must be getting frustrated at still playing reserve football at NUFC after not being granted a loan move in the summer. A loan for him would make more sense in all honesty.
