Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is preparing for a busy summer window, where he’ll hope to improve his side significantly ahead of what is hopefully a second consecutive campaign back in the Premier League.
The Spaniard stated last summer that he was concerned his squad lacked the quality to compete in the division and his assessments have proved to be correct, with the Magpies sitting just four points above the relegation zone heading into the international break.
Benitez is known to be keen in strengthening his midfield options but a battle for a long-term target looks set to become exceptionally fierce, as a third Premier League side have entered the running for Tom Cairney’s signature.
The Watford Observer states Watford are the latest side to express an interest in Fulham’s captain, joining the Magpies and West Ham in the chase, ahead of a summer where he could potentially be on the move.
It’s recently been claimed that the Cottagers will accept a sale of the Scottish international if they fail in their bid for promotion and the 27-year-old’s signature could become available for around £20m.
That would be a club-record fee for Newcastle, eclipsing the £16m fee paid for Michael Owen almost 13 years ago.
