OPINION
Newcastle United’s lethargic approach to business this summer is certainly an unorthodox one.
From a takeover that seems to be taking forever to a contract wrangle with Rafa Benitez that threatens to go right down to the wire, it would appear that Mike Ashley and his men are taking the term “summer break” very, very literally.
And that extends into the transfer market as well. Names have been linked, in vain, from various sources, but as of yet, the Magpies have not dipped their toe into the swirling waters of the window.
But that might have to change sharpish.
According to TEAMtalk, the Toon Army are keen on snapping up Bristol City centre-back Adam Webster for around £12 million – and it’s easy to see why.
The 24-year-old defender is a real prospect, and his calmness and quality on the ball, illustrated by his 74% pass success rate and 5.2 long balls on average per match last season, would make him a valuable asset for any side in the lower half of the Premier League table [Whoscored.com]
The issue United have is that they are not alone in monitoring the 6’2″ colossus [Transfermarkt].
Burnley, Leicester City, Southampton and Watford have all been linked, but the latest side understood to be taking an interest are Aston Villa.
According to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, the Villans have made an enquiry about taking the player to the Midlands this summer.
Aston Villa. Spreading their search for centre halves. Inquiry for Adam Webster at Bristol City. Story online shortly.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) June 18, 2019
That should put Newcastle on edge. Villa have already showed that they are more than willing to make swift moves in this window with a big money move for Belgian striker Wesley Moraes, as reported by the BBC.
If the Magpies don’t act quickly, they will lose out on this one.
