OPINION
Theoretically, Newcastle United should have a good solid foundation to build on for this coming season.
A strong second half of the last campaign saw them secure a a mid table finish in the Premier League, despite the fact that they had started the season without a win in their first ten league matches.
Factor in a top class manager in Rafa Benitez, and a decent squad built on a bit of a shoestring, and there should be plenty of reasons for the Magpies to feel optimistic about the coming campaign.
As is so often the case with things on Tyneside, however, it looks unlikely that things will run smoothly.
We are fast approaching that fateful June 30th deadline on Benitez’s current contract, and there is still no indication that he is any closer to agreeing an extension.
Add into the mix the Bin Zayed Group’s purported takeover attempt, and it’s fair to argue that the mood around St. James’ Park could best be described as “really, really nervous”.
Chaos continues to reign, and that is having an obvious and adverse effect on transfer activity.
The Toon Army are yet to move for anybody the window, but according to Wednesday’s print edition of L’Equipe, as cited and displayed by Sport Witness, the club could be in the race for Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson.
The 24-year-old Frenchman had a fine season in his home country last season, and recorded a pass completion rate of 83%, with 0.7 key passes per game on average, as stated by Whoscored.
That kind of efficiency and quality on the ball would be a massive asset for the Magpies as they look to finally kick themselves free of the perpetual relegation battle that has characterised the club’s recent history.
According to Le10Sport, Wolves approached Marseille with an offer of around £36 million earlier this season, and it’s easy to see why.
Newcastle must act fast if they are to snap up a player who would hugely improve on their current options.
