Newcastle United still need a striker, but who should Rafa go for?
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Latest Premier League transfer rumours
The new Premier League season is fast approaching and Newcastle United are still without a marquee signing up front to hang their hat on.
The Geordie Nation have been without a centre-forward hero since the days of Andy Carroll and Alan Shearer. Current options Joselu, Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle all carry a threat. But they’re all much of a muchness.
Time is running out for Rafael Benitez to find his man. So the Coral News Team has given him a helping hand with these four suggestions.
Salomon Rondon
West Bromwich Albion ace Salomon Rondon has long been linked with a move to St James’ Park. And it’s easy to see why. The powerful Venezuelan has all of the necessary qualities to be a big hit in the North East.
He holds the ball up well, brings others into play and has a decent enough goalscoring record for a player outside the top-half. A total of 24 goals in 108 Premier League matches is ok and would undoubtedly improve with a more consistent supply line.
The 28-year-old is the most obvious solution to the long-term striking problem on Tyneside, and should be available at a cut-price rate after the Baggies’ relegation.
Danny Ings
It has been a difficult couple of years on Merseyside for Danny Ings. Brought to Anfield in 2015, the 25-year-old has found game time limited due to long-term injury problems. There’s still a good player in there, though.
Jurgen Klopp’s insistence on using Ings towards the back end of the last campaign suggests he has faith in the forward. But with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all ahead of him Anfield, it’s unlikely the forward’s future lies with Liverpool.
A move to Newcastle makes an enormous amount of sense for both club and player.
Nicolai Jorgensen
Could the Magpies go back in and swoop for Feyenoord ace Nicolai Jorgensen? They failed with a bid in January but rumours continue to abound over the future of the 27-year-old.
A record of 12 goals in 30 matches in the Eredivisie last season doesn’t stack up too badly. But a move has already broken down once. And signings from the Netherlands tend to be very hit or miss in the Premier League. Benitez and co. may be best served by letting this one go.
Christian Benteke
There hasn’t been anything linking Christian Benteke with a move to St James’ Park. Yet the Coral News Team thinks it could be a shrewd move for both parties. The Belgian’s time at Selhurst Park hasn’t gone to plan and another fresh start could be what’s needed.
The change of scenery may not make a difference to the 27-year-old. But a change of manager could. Benitez is one of the most tactically astute coaches out there and his stringent approach could be just what Benteke needs at this crossroads in his career.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
