Newcastle winter window manifesto for top half finish
Published:
Matt Haynes | December 23, 2015
Newcastle, 18/1 with Coral for a top 10 finish in the Premier League, have started to respond following a poor start to the season, which saw them become embedded in the relegation zone.
In recent matches it seems the Magpies have clicked and are unbeaten in three outings, which includes a well-fought win against Liverpool and this could potentially set up an intriguing Christmas period for them in the Premier League.
Reinforce rearguard
With Georginio Wijnaldum proving to be a hit following his summer move from PSV Einddhoven, manager Steve McClaren will be hoping he can unearth a similar gem in January.
Specifically, the Magpies need defensive reinforcements. On a number of occasions this campaign, Fabricio Coloccini has been exposed and a long term replacement could well be on the cards.
They have been linked with Schalke centre back Joel Matip, who is also being monitored by Liverpool. The Cameroon centre back would definitely be an upgrade and would fit in well on Tyneside.
Keep key players
With Ayoze Perez starting to show his true potential, it is essential that he is retained with the Spaniard having everything he needs to become a genuine cult hero on Tyneside.
The same, though, can be said of Moussa Sissoko, who has attracted the attention of top clubs in recent months, nevertheless is another who simply has to be prevented from leaving in January.
This achievement may only be accomplished if the club promise that they will bring in more quality in January, in order to compete at the right end of the table in the latter half of the Premier League season.
Who might Magpies pounce for?
While a move for Wijnaldum proved to be astute, a similar attempt for a top player in either the Dutch or Portuguese league could be a canny decision.
Although Arkadiusz Milik only recently moved to Ajax from Bayer Leverkusen, he is definitely suited to the Premier League and has demonstrated similar qualities to former Newcastle legend and Coral ambassador Alan Shearer, with his ability to lead the line and would be welcomed by fans.
However, he would no doubt command a princely sum and, having spent £15m on Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer as an investment, Mike Ashley may be reluctant to part with another substantial amount of cash for a similar player.
A possible option from the Bundesliga might be 20-year-old Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka who has shown glimpses of potential this term and is thought to have a bright future for the German national side. He draws similar comparisons to compatriot and ex-Newcastle midfielder Didi Hamann and would fit in well for the Magpies.
Reports have gone quiet though on links with QPR’s Charlie Austin, though it doesn’t mean that a move won’t happen.
The striker established himself as a proven scorer in the top fight last term and nearly switched in the summer but, with the club having just brought in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as boss, Austin could well stay at least until the end of this current season.
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