Stuck in the relegation zone and facing a defining second-half of the season, the January transfer window could determine if Newcastle United remains a Premier League club or not.
One major criticism aimed at the squad from fans is that there is not enough players with Premier League experience (at the time of signing), as well as a lack of English talent.
The Magpies are in a desperate situation and simply cannot afford to gamble on names who might be good enough for the top-flight.
Bearing this in mind, Outside90’s Anthony Margaretic casts an eye over four English players the Newcastle Board should be bending over backwards to sign.
Jonjo Shelvey
While Jonjo Shelvey has had a slight dip in form over the recent months, there is no doubting his talent when at his best. There have been rumours that the Swansea midfielder’s loss of form has coincided with his desire to leave the club, which means a move to Tyneside could revitalise his career and the Magpies’ season. Newcastle are reportedly preparing a £10 million bid, with Crystal Palace also rumoured to be interested.Shelvey seems destined to leave the Wales, and Palace’s table position may give them the upper-hand in this transfer saga, but the box-to-box midfielder would be a handy addition to the heart of the Geordie midfield.
Nathan Redmond
The Magpies have lined up with Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum on the wings for the majority of this campaign. Being two players who are more suited to central roles, it is clear to see why the Toon have struggled to create chances from out wide. A potential solution to their lack of stock on the wings could be through Norwich City winger Nathan Redmond. At 21-years of age and having played in all but one match for the Canaries this season, the young right-winger could provide a much needed spark and add to his four goals and two assists which he already has to his name.
Charlie Austin
Newcastle were chasing Charlie Austin in the offseason, but could not get a deal done because they refused to meet QPR’s £15 million valuation of the 26-year-old striker. In hindsight, it seems scandalous that the board did not try harder to sign him, with the Magpies scoring a mere 19 goals this term. Austin has scored 10 times in 16 appearances in the Championship thus far, but it is his record in the Premier League which makes him worth signing, netting on 18 occasions last season, despite Rangers’ relegation.
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Michael Dawson
Being 32-years-old, there may be some Toon fans who would be reluctant to sign Michael Dawson. But with age comes experience, and with 10 years of Premier League football behind him which saw him make over 250 appearances, the 6’2″ central-defender would be a valuable addition to a shaky Magpies defence. Additionally, the defender captained both Tottenham and more recently Hull City, meaning there can be no doubting his leadership qualities – something which is clearly lacking in the current squad. Whether he wants to leave a promotion chase with Hull and take on a relegation battle is a separate issue, but he is at least worth a look given Newcastle’s defensive frailties.
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