OPINION
Newcastle United must reignite their reported desire to sign Everton left-back Leighton Baines as he would be the ideal cover for Paul Dummett.
The Magpies were thought to be keen to welcome the experienced Toffees defender to St James Park in the summer as the Daily Mirror reported them as one of the teams in the hunt for Baines’ services.
However it turned out that Rafa Benitez’s side ended up dismissing the idea of signing the defender, due to their concerns about the 33-year-old getting paid £70,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac) currently at Goodison Park.
The Chronicle reported that the Magpies have ruled out Baines as on option due to his wage demands being too high, but they must boldly reignite their desire for the left-back despite this prior concern.
Benitez didn’t end up welcoming the new left-back he needed and wanted in the summer and that scenario can’t be repeated in January window.
If first-choice option Dummett suffers an injury the Magpies are left expose down the left-sided of their defence as they have simply no one good enough to step in for the Wales international.
Baines has proven his skills for many seasons in the Premier League and his crossing, as well as set-piece ability, would be very helpful to the Magpies’ picking up points.
Baines may have lowered his wages demand by now, in order to manufacture a move, as he has only been able to make five appearances across all competitions for the Toffees this season and hasn’t featured in any of their last four league outings.
Yet even though if that isn’t the case then considering that the Magpies could be pulled into a relegation battle, based on their early season form, they need Baines to mask their weakness and use his Premier League experience to help them.
The 33-year-old has played 410 times in England’s top-flight and would be able to be a notable presence in the dressing room, who could help inspire his teammates to victory even when not featuring.
It would be a bold move for the Magpies to go after a target they previously ruled out due to his wages, but it would be the correct action to take in January as there are few experienced left-backs like Baines floating about the market.
