OPINION
The first point of call for Newcastle United in the coming days is the future of manager Rafa Benitez, who is locked in talks over a new deal at St. James’ Park.
Once that issue is resolved, with the Spaniard surely to be handed the guarantees he needs to remain on Tyneside, then attention will turn to the summer transfer window which opened this week.
The main focus for Benitez will surely be in attack after the Magpies netted just 39 goals in 38 Premier League games this season, with many forward players struggling for form.
While that will most obviously mean the purchase of a new striker this summer, Benitez must also look into players who can fill in just behind and create chances throughout the season.
One player who Benitez must look at plotting a stunning swoop for this summer is Manchester United star Juan Mata, who has just one year left on his deal at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled for game time under Jose Mourinho during the second half of this season, and will surely be on the chopping block this summer.
One thing that adds to the intrigue here is Mata’s comments about the club and manager Rafa Benitez in the past, with the 30-year-old praising the Magpies and his former coach this season.
Speaking to United’s official website, he said: “Returning now to our game against Newcastle on Saturday, everyone knows they are newly-promoted but they are still a big club with several Spanish players. Among them Rafa Benitez, a manager with whom I was lucky to work with in the past. It will be nice to see him again.”
Mata’s obvious affinity with Benitez could be a big factor here, with the lure of coming to play under his former boss surely to be appealing to the Spain international.
With just one year left on his deal, and with Mata approaching 31 years old, this deal would surely be affordable for the Magpies this summer.
Having someone of Mata’s quality roaming the attacking lines behind a new striker would be a massive coup, and he would be a perfect signing for the club as they build a squad to challenge for Europe this summer.
