The Newcastle United punters we have in the Transfer Tavern are very sceptical about their chances of avoiding the dreaded drop to the Championship this season, with many of them declaring another managerial change is necessary.
Therefore, our lads have been pleased by reports linking them to former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and they’re confident the Northern Irishman can do exactly what’s necessary to lure the Magpies out of the relegation battle.
Downing numerous pints of ale, the drink is clearing going to their head and they’re getting ahead of themselves as the topic of conversation is now surrounding what players Rodgers could potentially add to the squad in the summer.
Whilst that’s a way off and a debate for another day, the lads are insistent that these players could move to Tyneside in the close season and help Rodgers assemble a side safe from relegation for the long-term future, perhaps even capable of going on a decent cup run.
Hit Rodgers below to see FIVE players he could potentially sign for Newcastle!
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Joe Allen
The Welsh Pirlo to those in the Liverpool circles, and a bang average midfielder to those outside, Joe Allen isn’t the calibre of player that the Reds need. In the long-term, it’s clear the Welshman’s career lies outside of Merseyside.
Having worked with Brendan Rodgers at Swansea City and Anfield, Allen could reunite with his former boss once again at Tyneside- where he’d be a much better fit and could potentially be a star player in the Magpies squad.
Should his signature become available, Allen is likely to attract the interest of former employers Swansea City but Newcastle are a bigger club to the South Wales side and a fresh challenge may appeal to the midfielder.
Saido Berahino
One day the transfer saga surrounding Saido Berahino, which has been ongoing since controversial incidents last summer, will reach a conclusion- and there’s every chance that the England U21 international may get the move he desperately craves this summer.
Berahino has attracted a wealth of interest in the Premier League, most notably from Tottenham Hotspur, but it seems the North London giants are identifying alternative targets. Berahino’s reputation has decades significantly in the past 12 months and that could cost him.
A move to Newcastle United would provide him with a fresh chance though and Rodgers may get the best out of the youngster once again, having been crucial to a number of developing players during his time at Liverpool.
Lucas Leiva
A firm favourite of Brendan Rodgers during his time at Liverpool, the Brazilian did slide down the pecking order earlier the Northern Irishman earlier this season. With the likes of Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho though, that’s understandable.
Leiva is a solid midfielder who’s well respected in England and it’s that which might see the South American elect to stay in these isles this summer, should he be on the move. A step down would be necessary though and a reunion with former boss Rodgers would be a smaller risk compared to a transfer elsewhere.
His experience could be vital for Newcastle United’s squad, which boasts a strong crop of young talent, and his work-rate could see him become an instant fan favourite at St James’ Park.
Daniel Sturridge
The established England international has endured a difficult few years since he excelled in the 2013/14 season alongside Luis Suarez, as Daniel Sturridge has struggled to feature regularly since due to injury problems.
When he has featured though, Sturridge hasn’t lost his knack in front of goal but reports that Jurgen Klopp isn’t happy with the player’s fitness record may have led to a strained relationship. With Liverpool eying new strikers, Sturridge could be on the way out.
Having already featured for Chelsea and Manchester City in his career, an exit for Sturridge may see him concede his standing at a top club and he may have to take a step down. At Newcastle though he could rebuild his reputation, proving himself to those that doubted him and firing the Toon up the standings.
Marvin Plattenhardt
Unknown to those that don’t watch much European football, specifically the Bundesliga, Marvin Plattenhardt has impressed with Hertha Berlin in Germany. Currently high-flying in fourth spot, the side from Germany’s capital could get their chance in Europe.
Should they fail however, with the standings currently very close, a number of top sides could look to snatch the talent from their ranks and Newcastle’s interest in Plattenhardt is understandable- as the 24-year-old left-back has performed consistently to a high level.
Capable of solidifying the Newcastle defence, and possessing the ability to develop further in the future, Plattenhardt may tick all the boxes for a potential new-look side under Brendan Rodgers.