Rafa Benitez has set his sights on a flurry of Premier League signings for Newcastle United this summer, according to the Daily Star.
A report in the outlet suggests that the Spaniard has drawn up a shortlist of potential acquisitions for the Magpies, with Burnley starlet Dwight McNeil and Bournemouth duo Ryan Fraser and David Brooks high priorities.
It is understood that Benitez is looking to bring in a blend of youth and experience into midfield areas should he stay on as manager at St. James’ Park next season.
OPINION
Honestly, this shortlist reads like something out of FIFA. If this report is to be believed, then you have to wonder what Newcastle’s scouting team actually get paid for. It’s hardly revelatory to pick out Ryan Fraser and David Brooks as players who would improve a squad like the Toon Army’s, and anybody who has watched Match of the Day over the past few months would be able to tell you that Dwight McNeil is a bit special. Even if these are the players that Benitez is lining up, and that should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt, what are the chances of him landing his men? You get the impression that none of these lads would come cheap, and if there’s one thing that Mike Ashley can’t abide, it’s spending money. The other issue is that Benitez would surely struggle to attract this kind of player to St. James’ Park at the moment. By rights, the Magpies should dwarf Bournemouth and Burnley, but the sad reality is that they don’t. Benitez, provided he stays, will need to strengthen this summer, but signing from Premier League rivals probably isn’t the most prudent way to do that.
