The latest name to be linked with a move to St James’ Park? Enter Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
Football Insider are reporting that we have identified the set piece specialist as a ‘firm target’ ahead of the January transfer window.
The same piece also claims that we’re sounding out moves for Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard and Aston Villa’s Marevlous Nakamba, with them expecting us to be the busiest Premier League club this winter.
It’s claimed advisors have told the new Newcastle United owners that ‘beefing up’ our midfield options should be equally important as improving our defence when the window opens.
For me, James Ward-Prowse would be the ideal replacement for Jonjo Shelvey – a player who has bags of ability but remains a luxury at this level.
Southampton rejected a £25m bid from Aston Villa for the England international over the summer and would surely be hugely reluctant to sell their best player in the middle of the season – especially when they may be embroiled in a relegation battle alongside ourselves.
Money talks, but will they sell him to a direct rival in January? I have my doubts, but he’d be a great player to target.
Nakamba is a ball-winner who was once compared to N’Golo Kante during his time with Club Brugge, while Lingard could be well worth targeting when you consider his lack of game time at Old Trafford and the immediate impact he had during a loan spell at West Ham last season.
It appears, the more information received, the less action is taken.
And as of now not one deal has been made, why ?
Caution seems to override any attempt other than the attempted signing of the Dutch pair, which may sound great however don’t forget that exist in a inferior league not the EPL. Yes they have been successful but in the Dutch league, usually a league that produces some decent players, but is not noted for competing with the bigger leagues. in fact a selling league.
So don’t be dissapointed it’s more than likely a negotiating ploy and when enough dosh is offered will trigger a deal, as for players we need them NOW, before it’s too late and we end up in the second tier, how can one sign decent player if we don’t stay up.
It would certainly put a strain on everyone.
And who is the defining verdict as too who we sign, a director of football ? one of our Saudi advisors ? or our female person who possibly did more to get the deal done than any one, at least that’s what has been implied ?
It’s what has concerned me from the day we signed the deal as too who does what, will in fact it be left to the footballing interests or will it become political football, hopefully the first, being I would rather see a
competitive side playing in the EPL, than any giant side used to propagate a political view-point, but hopefully we can all benefit from the fact The Saudi’s wealth will be of service to the fans and the community.
chuck(Quote)