OPINION
It is now clear that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez will have to once again dip into the bargain market this summer as he looks to strengthen his squad for a push at a European place next season.
Financial backing is not on its way from Mike Ashley and the club hierarchy, who once again seem content to leave Benitez to scrap hard for bargain basement deals despite their obvious success in finishing tenth last term.
Benitez has repaid this lack of faith by refusing to sign a new deal at the club, but the Spaniard looks to be kicking on his search for new players despite the frustrating stance taken by those above him.
One of the areas he will be looking to strengthen is in midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame needing some support in the middle of the park if they are to push on in 2018/19.
And, there looks to be a perfect opportunity for the Magpies to secure a quality midfielder on loan this summer, but they must move quickly if they are to secure it.
As reported by BBC Sport, Liverpool have been in talks with Cardiff City over a loan exit for Marko Grujic, who spent six months there in 2017/18.
The Reds are said to be open to the move, which will be decided upon when Grujic returns after World Cup duty, with Serbia having been eliminated on Wednesday.
That gives Newcastle a matter of days, or possibly a couple of weeks, to hijack these talks and convince both Liverpool and Grujic that St. James’ Park is the best place for him next season.
Benitez has contacts at the club, and as long as he can provide guarantees of game time for Grujic, there is no reason to think that he will not be able to push through a move.
You would think the player would be keen on joining a more established Premier League team, and Liverpool would surely be open to that happening too.
Grujic would be a brilliant addition, with his 6ft 3in frame [Transfermarkt] providing a mix between Shelvey’s passing range and Diame’s physical presence, and he would add a new dimension to that midfield.
It is a move which makes perfect sense for all parties, and Newcastle must now move quickly to make it a reality before it is too late and Grujic joins a rival for next season.
