Rafa Benitez has begun drawing up plans for this summer’s transfer window with the ‘spine’ of his Newcastle side a top priority according to the Chronicle.
A defender, a midfielder and a striker of proven quality are all high on Rafa’s shopping list and with winger Christian Atsu unlikely to turn his loan deal into a permanent one from Chelsea, a couple of players with attacking flare will also be required.
As has been alluded to on this blog in recent times, Rafa along with his backroom staff will be more than mindful that a side who can only boast Jonjo Shelvey as their most competent midfielder or Dwight Gayle as their most consistent striker would surely fail miserably when making the step up to the Premier League.
And whilst promotion is by no means a given, one thing Newcastle fans can all agree on regardless of what division we play our football in next season is that this team needs strengthening. Here’s hoping Mike Ashley can ameliorate fans’ worries by handing Rafa the cash he needs this summer.
