Surprising news emerges confirming Benitez's plan to cash in on promising talent this summer
Some surprising news has emerged from the Chronicle, confirming that Newcastle will 'listen to offers' for highly-rated striker Adam Armstrong this summer.
The youngster has made just one league start for the club, however scored 9 goals in 21 games for Blackburn over the second half of the season, earning a call-up to England's U-21 squad as a result.
That being said, he's yet to prove himself in the Championship - never mind the Premier League.
He has 29 goals and 7 assists from 61 appearances in League One (from loan spells with Coventry and Blackburn), however he only has 7 goals in 56 Championship appearances (from loan spells with Bolton and Barnsley), proving that he's struggled to make that step up so far. Is this why Rafa has his doubts?
Here's what the Chronicle have had to say on the matter, admitting he could be sold if the right offer arrives, with Benitez unable to guarantee him game time:
"Newcastle United are preparing to listen to cash offers for England Under-21 international Adam Armstrong this summer.
"With Newcastle in the market for a new centre-forward this summer and with Benitez looking to raise funds and slash the wage budget in certain areas, an outgoing cash transfer could be on the cards for the Academy product.
"Armstrong would love to stay at Newcastle but Benitez wants to push on next season and can’t guarantee him a place in the starting line-up - especially if he lands a big-name striker in the summer transfer window."
The report also states that the club will also listen to offers for fellow youngsters Ivan Toney and Jamie Sterry, however it's Armstrong's exit which would be seen as the biggest surprise, being a player who's been tipped to breakthrough for several years.
He's clearly keen to stay and prove himself under Benitez, but it's worth highlighting again that he's yet to prove himself in the Championship, so it's no surprise that Rafa can't guarantee him game time in the top flight?
Maybe this is why Rafa is open to cashing in?
