OPINION
Despite Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame becoming an established central midfield partnership for Newcastle United in the closing months of the 2017/18 season, there is no doubt that Rafa Benitez will need to bring in reinforcements in that area this summer.
The Magpies’ back-up options of Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden have not shown enough to warrant a place in the side, and if Newcastle want to push on for a European place, then having a solid midfield is going to be key.
And, with the landscape of the Premier League ever-changing during the summer transfer window, opportunities will no doubt present themselves to Benitez in the coming months to bring in some quality players.
There does in fact look to be a golden opportunity on the cards for the Magpies in the coming weeks after Liverpool confirmed they have signed Fabinho in a £39million deal from Monaco, as reported by the BBC.
The Brazilian arrives as a replacement for the outgoing Emre Can, and with RB Leipzig star Naby Keita also set to come in, that will leave a couple of other players scrambling for a place in the Reds squad.
One of those is Marko Grujic, the young Serbian midfielder who spent the last six months on loan at Cardiff City, and impressed hugely with his play for the Bluebirds.
The 22-year-old Serbia international has been touted as a future star at Liverpool, but has never really been given a shot by the club, and that looks set to sadly continue in 2018/19.
Newcastle however can profit from this situation in launching a swoop for the 6ft 3in colossus, who would be the perfect reinforcement for the Magpies midfield.
A loan deal would surely be on the cards for Newcastle, with Liverpool certain to want Grujic to continue his development at the highest level possible, and the insertion of an option to buy would sweeten the transfer even further.
Another factor in play here is Benitez’s contacts at Anfield, which he could use to convince the Reds of the merits of a move to Newcastle for Grujic.
All in all it is a no-brainer as Newcastle look to strengthen for next term, and Benitez must move fast with Grujic sure to be in demand in the coming weeks.
