Jay Rodriguez
Kieran Gibbs
Another player Benitez was believed to have looked at over the summer and someone I can’t see staying at West Brom ahead of their anticipated drop into the Championship.
Paul Dummett has consolidated his spot as Rafa’s first-team left-back, but the former Arsenal man could give him some much needed competition and another option down that left-hand side (something we’ve very rarely had – with the right-sided Manquillo having to fill in when Dummett was injured earlier in the season).
Nacer Chadli
A bit of a wildcard here and one I’d be surprised to see happen, but the Belgian international is a quality player who could give us that contribution of goals and assists that we’ve lacked almost all season.
He can play anywhere across the attack, so is extremely versatile, and would add some much needed competition for Ayoze Perez more than anything.
He got a bad injury earlier in the season so has been out for several months, but he’s a player who’s proven in the Premier League and someone several clubs will be looking to sign this summer.
Other contenders include Matty Phillips (we’ve got plenty wingers?), Salomon Rondon (not prolific enough given what he’d cost) and Jonny Evans (linked with top 6 clubs), but I feel these three would be very good additions for NUFC, regardless of the fact they’ve been part of a relegation campaign.
A good selection, Ollie. I particularly think it will be difficult to get a proven, quality LB that is available and affordable. Even more difficult to get an AM with flair and end product, that isn’t a prima-donna and will be able to ‘fit in’ with Shelvey. Probably, poaching the relegated clubs, may be the only realistic option. Any idea what these players were bought for and what they may cost once relegated? Looking forward to a similar article re Stoke and Southampton options!
Peter(Quote)