The Guardian have reported that Rafa Benitez is ‘very enthusiastic’ about Manchester City’s Fabian Delph and could make a move for the midfielder this summer.
It is agreed that major surgery will be required to see Newcastle make the step up to the Premier League. The report states that a minimum of six recruits will be targeted by Rafa Benitez, with a centre midfielder high on his priority list.
Delph has managed just 23 appearances for Manchester City since making his £8m move from Aston Villa in the summer of 2015 and is thought to be one of several players set to leave the club in Guardiola’s attempt to overhaul their squad.
The 27 year-old midfielder needs a move to reignite his career and Newcastle United may provide his ideal escape route, with Rafa Benitez said to be an admirer of the England international – a player United looked to take on loan in the January window.
Injuries and lack of first team football may have seen Delph’s career stagnate over recent years, however, his sensational form with Aston Villa can’t be forgotten, being tenacious in the tackle but also capable of carrying the ball and dictating the play.
With doubts over Jack Colback’s ability to cut it in the top flight, Newcastle look light on central midfielders and the signing of Delph may be a shrewd one and a risk worth taking.