Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has set his sights on signing Swansea playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson, according to the Sun. The Spaniard is believed to want Magpies owner Mike Ashley to stump up £15m to fund a move for the midfielder.
The Icelandic international has also been interesting the likes of West Ham, Everton and Southampton in recent months, but the Newcastle boss is reportedly hopeful of landing the 27 year old ahead of their rivals by outlining his project to make the Magpies a Premier League force once again.
During the international break, Sigurdsson told goal.com that he is keen to play for “big club”, and a source close to Newcastle told the Sun that Benitez is hoping he can persuade the playmaker to join him at St James’ Park if the Magpies are promoted to the Premier League:
“Rafa knows he can’t just go out there and buy the biggest names in their first season back – but Gylfi would be a good-value addition to his squad.”
Sigurdsson has been in excellent form for Swansea so far this season. The midfielder has scored nine goals, and provided 11 assists in 31 games in all competitions, and his creative spark will be integral to Paul Clement’s side keeping their Premier League status this campaign.
