Newcastle have made two signings this month but Steve Bruce is determined to add to that, according to Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie.
What’s the word?
Speaking on Sky Sports’ podcast Transfer Talk, Downie suggested that the Magpies are very much in the market for a left-sided defender, who can play at either left-back or left wing-back.
Season-ending injuries to Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems mean the squad is short in that area, and it is possible they will look to Tottenham’s Danny Rose, who has been heavily linked with a move to St. James’ Park this month.
Bruce is also worried by the injuries to Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll, and according to Downie there could also be movement regarding the arrival of a striker, but the journalist seems to think that is less likely to happen than a left-back coming in.
In full, Downie said:
“As I understand, they’re still active in the market and are looking to bring in at least a left-back or left wing-back to play in their favoured 3-5-2 formation.
“They’re in the market for a left-back / left wing-back due to the injuries suffered by Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett. The only have Matt Ritchie so there is some firm interest in Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur.
“There is also a need for a striker. After the match against Oxford on Saturday we saw Joelinton struggling a little bit again for form – it really hasn’t worked out for him so far. He needs a bit of assistance up there with injuries to their other two strikers Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle, so Steve Bruce even said – he bemoaned the lack of striking options on the bench.”
Leaving it late
Bruce has taken a rather strange strategy to the transfer market throughout the month, stating that reinforcements wouldn’t be made for the sake of it, and only if they would improve the team, yet there are a number of weak areas in the squad.
Nowhere is that more clear than in attack, with Joelinton the highest scoring striker on two goals, and the likes of Gayle and Carroll still yet to get on the scoresheet.
The Magpies’ boss should have made strengthening his forward options the biggest priority, as even against Oxford the north-east outfit failed to break down the visitors.
Even now Bruce seems to be a little indecisive, and with the clock ticking it creates a more desperate mindset when it comes to recruitment, and that adds risks, as the players being targeted may not be right for the team.
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A left-back is also a big requirement and the interest in Rose is a positive, so if they manage to get that deal over the line it will still be considered a good transfer window, though the attack will remain a hindrance to Bruce.
In transfer news, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on a surprising but interesting move for a forward.
