Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce is looking to strengthen a number of positions over the final week of the summer transfer window, according to the Shields Gazette.
The newspaper claims that the former Sheffield Wednesday boss is eager to continue reinforcing his Magpies squad, and will look to do so before the new Premier League season kicks off.
With that said, he is thought to be after at least one full back, possibly two, and a striker, while attempting to complete a deal for Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin in short order.
The Gazette’s report also states that while skepticism continues to reign amongst the Newcastle faithful, the mood behind-the-scenes at St James’ Park is said to be very positive.
OPINION
This seems like Bruce has the right idea about what he wants to do in the remaining week of the transfer window. This Newcastle squad isn’t strong, not by a long shot, and there are numerous areas of the team that need to be strengthened. He’s fine in goal, at centre back and possibly in central midfield. However, he needs additions in both full back positions, and certainly up front. There’s no top quality right back or right wing back at St James’ Park, with DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo struggling to cement themselves as the starter last season. Meanwhile, on the left hand side, you have a choice between a midfielder in Matt Ritchie or someone who is probably better as a centre back in Paul Dummett. So help is certainly needed there, while we all know how much the team needs new attackers. It’s slightly curious that another creative player isn’t being targeted, but perhaps Bruce feels Saint-Maximin will be enough alongside Miguel Almiron in that regard.
