OPINION
There is no doubt that Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is looking ahead to the January transfer window with both anticipation and trepidation.
He is obviously looking forward to the prospect of signing players for the roles that the club desperately need to recruit cover for – but on the other hand, the trepidation lays with the uncertainty of the budget that will be provided.
Either way, Benitez knows that bring in a ‘number ten’ is incredibly significant in January, and his search must take him no further than Sporting’s Bruno Fernandes.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Magpies were interested in swooping for the 24-year-old in the summer, a potential move that never quite got off the ground.
However, they must put this failed swoop behind them, and reignite their pursuit of the dazzler in January, as he would provide genuine quality to the ‘number ten’ position.
Benitez would pull off a blinder by acquring the services of a player who managed 16 goals and 20 assists in all competitions last season.
The Spaniard would have undoubtedly been gutted that their interest in Fernandes never went any further, but there is no reason why they cannot try again in the next window.
If owner Mike Ashley provides adequate funds, then Newcastle will be in a much better position to sign the prolific talent.
Newcastle need a player who they can pin their hopes on and propel them to the next level, and by the looks of it, Fernandes is that player.
Benitez needs to start targeting quality players to assure his side of Premier League safety, something which he has previously been unable to do under Ashley.
Fernandes may warrant a substantial price tag, and if this is the case, then Benitez will need to convince the owner that this is just the player that Newcastle need.
