Newcastle United are plotting a quadruple swoop as they accelerate plans to strengthen their squad this summer, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim that manager Rafael Benitez has spurned the chance of an overseas break to stay in the UK and work on signing new players despite doubts about his future.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle are close to signing goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and expect it to be sealed “soon”, while Benitez is also targeting a winger, a central midfielder, and a proven centre-forward in this summer’s window.
OPINION
Newcastle finished 10th in the recently-completed domestic season but are in dire need of upgrades across many areas of their squad, and credit to Benitez for pushing ahead with rebuilding plans rather than waiting for the club hierarchy to swing into action. Given the takeover turmoil and owner Mike Ashley’s innate transfer market caution, the Toon faithful are not jumping over themselves with excitement as the window swings open. But it will be gratifying to them if a deal can be pushed through soon for Dubravka, who made such a huge impact after initially joining on loan in January. It is easy to see why Benitez is also prioritising the positions of central midfield, attack spearhead and wide forward. Certainly, a new centre-forward must be an A1 priority, but a permanent one this time and not a loan shark who is an inadequate sticking plaster, as Islam Slimani was in the second half of 2017-18. Central midfield quality and a direct mobile wide man would also bring much-needed strength in depth. The task for Benitez and the club’s recruitment staff is to ensure they’re better than the players they’re replacing.
