OPINION
Newcastle United must act on their reported desire to sign West Bromwich Albion Kieran Gibbs as given his experience in the Premier League he would be an ideal signing.
The Daily Mail reported on Thursday that the Magpies were interested in the 28-year-old left-back even thought the paper surmised that the club’s current budget would make a deal impossible.
However given that the Baggies are now in the Championship and Gibbs is currently still on a lucrative £55,000-a-week contract (Source: Spotrac) then maybe WBA will be willing to play ball over a potential deal.
Especially as Gibbs is no doubt not seen as being vital to the Baggies’ winning promotion back to the Premier League on their first attempt.
Rafa Benitez could do with recruiting the services of the 28-year-old this summer in order to provide healthy competition with current left-back Paul Dummett.
Gibbs would also be able to successfully step in for the Wales international if he was struck by injury as the Magpies desperately missed Dummett last season when he was sidelined for a notable period of time.
While Benitez could play Javier Manquillo at left-back his displays last season show he shouldn’t be the near the first-team.
The Spanish boss could also call upon Kenedy to play as a left-back but the Brazilian who is on loan from Chelsea for the upcoming season is better used further up the pitch.
Therefore if Gibbs was recruited Benitez would have enough left-backs to choose from in order for that position not to be a potential headache for him as the season develops.
The 28-year-old, who has lifted the FA Cup three times in his career, has played 170 times in the Premier League and would be able to settle in at St James Park as well as be a reliable presence at the back due to his experience.
Therefore the Magpies must act on their reported desire for Gibbs, by at the very least submitting an enquiry, as he would be an ideal left-back to welcome to the club this summer.
