Newcastle United complete £130m triple swoop – new-look starting XI vs Aston Villa
How Newcastle United could line-up for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
Following a quiet start to the summer transfer window for Newcastle United, it feels like things are finally beginning to ramp up.
Eddie Howe called for quick action but for a period faced one disappointment after another. Liam Delap, Mathias Cunha, Dean Huijsen and Joao Pedro were targets but all opted to move elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo was wanted but his wage demands soon priced Newcastle out of a move, with the Brentford star set to join Manchester United.
With Newcastle’s recent struggles with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) well documented, it’s been almost two years since a major signing was made. But it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The Magpies are understood to be close to reaching a £55million agreement to sign Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga while talks are advanced with Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford.
Completing those two signings and ideally another means Newcastle’s starting XI could look a little different for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16.
1. GK: James Trafford
Trafford was set to sign for Newcastle last year but the deal was pulled when Nottingham Forest demanded Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that took Elliot Anderson to the City Ground. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Fabrizio Romano continues to drum up Manchester City’s interest in Livramento but the 22-year-old is going nowhere. Too important and, even by Man City’s standards, too expensive. | Getty Images
3. CB: Leonardo Balerdi
Newcastle are reportedly exploring a £35million deal for the Marseille captain. The 26-year-old Argentine has made 167 appearances for the French outfit. | AFP via Getty Images
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman was instrumental during his first season at St James’ Park but the last two have been dominated by knee issues. If Botman can put those troubles behind him then there’s no doubt he walks into Howe’s best XI. | Getty Images
Major Manchester United transfer decision could be a golden opportunity for Newcastle United
Newcastle United have encountered difficulties in the transfer window but Manchester United may have presented a golden opportunity, if they want to take it.
The summer transfer window has been a slog for Newcastle United so far, with Eddie Howe missing out on his top attacking targets.
Matheus Cunha quickly joined Manchester United and Bryan Mbeumo looked to be following him, though the Reds might yet be priced out, like Newcastle were.
Elsewhere, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro both opted for Chelsea.
There does, however, seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel. James Trafford is expected to sign soon, Newcastle are closing in on Anthony Elanga and Giorgio Scalvini is being monitored.
Those three signings would be positive for Newcastle, but many would have expected more firepower to be recruited after Champions League football was secured.
Newcastle struggled to juggle European and Premier League commitments last time and need to significantly improve their squad depth to compete on multiple fronts.
If desired players are going elsewhere, Newcastle might have to start taking risks and thinking outside the box.
Maybe they could start by taking advantage of Man Utd beating them to players by signing some of theirs.
Like Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho.
- Who is Giorgio Scalvini? All you need to know about the ‘outstanding’ defender on Newcastle United’s radar
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho tell Manchester United they want to leave
According to Manchester World, Man Utd have a bit of an exodus on their hands this summer as five players have told the club they want to leave.
As expected, Garnacho and Rashford are on and headline the list after their respective fallings out of favour with Ruben Amorim.
They are unsurprisingly joined by Antony and Jadon Sancho, who both spent time out on loan like Rashford last year, and injury-ravaged left-back Tyrell Malacia.
It’s reported that Man U have made the major decision to not stand in their way and have granted them a late return to pre-season training to complete a transfer away from Old Trafford.
While the quintet’s stock couldn’t be much lower, Newcastle have the chance to bring in Rashford or Garnacho on the cheap and have their investment return tenfold if they can get one of them back to their best.
Newcastle United should consider signing Garnacho or Rashford
No one is suggesting Newcastle consider Sancho or Antony, given their atrocious performances since signing for Man Utd, but there is certainly potential for Garnacho and Rashford to rediscover their best form away from the career graveyard that is Old Trafford.
Garnacho, especially, could be a shrewd signing for Newcastle. Though there might be question marks over the 21-year-old’s attitude, with some maturing needed, his talent is without doubt.
Even though he wasn’t a guaranteed starter last term, Garnacho still contributed 11 goals and 10 assists and was often Man U’s only bright spark in a terrible season.
Allowing the Argentine to leave feels like a decision they will come to deeply regret, and Newcastle could be the beneficiaries. He has better stats than Elanga, whom Newcastle are willing to pay £55m for.
Given his obvious talent and young age, signing Garnacho could be a masterstroke for Newcastle.
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