OPINION
Rafa Benitez will be looking to shore up his midfield this summer as he builds a squad capable of challenging for a European place, and the Spaniard seems to be searching in the right places so far.
A report in the print edition of The Sun on Tuesday claims that the Magpies are in the hunt for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is weighing up his future this summer.
The newspaper report that Loftus-Cheek will only return to Chelsea if he is guaranteed regular first-team minutes, with the 22-year-old set to wait until he learns the identity of the Blues’ manager for next season before deciding his future.
If Loftus-Cheek does indeed decide his future lies away from Chelsea, which you would think is likely considering their criminal history of undervaluing him, then Newcastle must be at the front of the queue to sign him this summer.
The England international has been in sublime form for Palace all season, with his strong contributions in both defence and attack meaning he is the perfect box-to-box midfielder.
Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame have formed a solid partnership in the middle of the park for the Magpies this season, but neither offer the all-round game of Loftus-Cheek.
A midfield duo of Shelvey and Loftus-Cheek would be seriously dangerous, with one providing the passing range while the other provides the energy and presence.
Loftus-Cheek and Diame would also be a good option for Benitez to have in away games against the bigger teams, with that duo providing a more solid base in front of the defence.
Benitez could even consider playing all three together, similar to the system Liverpool use at the moment, which could free up Loftus-Cheek to roam forward.
Loftus-Cheek looks like the perfect addition for Benitez to make this summer, and while the prices being quoted may look astronomical, there is definitely a chance of this move taking place this summer.
Newcastle offer an exciting opportunity for young players to grow in front of an adoring fanbase and play under one of the world’s best managers, and Loftus-Cheek would surely be no different.
While The Sun claim that Loftus-Cheek’s value may soar to £40million if he has a good World Cup with England, that seems to be an outlandish claim with no substance.
A swoop therefore makes perfect sense for Newcastle, and Benitez must try to use his contacts at Chelsea to push a deal through for the 22-year-old this summer.
