OPINION
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez’ search for wing-back cover is set to continue after they baulked at the wage demands of Everton defender Leighton Baines.
That is according to the Chronicle, who report that the Magpies have dismissed the idea of signing him as they cannot afford to pay his wages.
Benitez was seeking out a player to cover the likes of Paul Dummett at wing-back, but the veteran left-back – who is on £70,000 a week (Spotrac) – does not look likely to be joining forces with United any time soon.
However, this news is a blessing in disguise for Newcastle, who did not need Baines to provide the required cover to the full-backs.
At 33-years-old, it comes to no surprise that he is being deemed surplus to requirements by new Everton manager Marco Silva, especially if he is revamping the squad in time for the new season.
In his day, Baines was one of the best left-backs in the Premier League – his lethal crosses and ability to track back and cover were some of the best elements of his game.
Newcastle would not be gaining anything if they took the former England international on, and they should be looking at younger alternatives who are capable of sticking it out for a few years.
Benitez obviously does not have much money to work with and this is undoubtedly one of the reasons the club were linked with the services of Baines, but it just was not a risk he should be willing to take.
There is no guarantee that Baines would perform at the high level that he has done so consistently for the Toffees – especially if he is getting slower with age – and Benitez must take his high wage demands as a sign that they did not really need him on the books.
This news is definitely no loss to Newcastle, who are capable of finding someone much more suitable.
