Punters here at the Transfer Tavern are wondering if Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth could be a turning point in their season.
Indeed, since their 3-0 defeat to Sunderland, the Toon Army have kept two clean sheets in a row, something which will really encourage manager Steve McLaren. Furthermore, while their performance against Bournemouth was arguably poor, the former England coach will be equally encouraged by Newcastle’s ability to grind out a result.
However, something McLaren will still want to work on at St James Park, is being more clinical in front of goal. Bar a 6-2 victory over fellow strugglers Norwich City, the Toon Army have not exactly been prolific in front of goal. A recent 0-0 draw with Stoke highlighted this particularly, as although Newcastle found Stoke keeper Jack Butland in imperious form, they simply weren’t clinical enough in front of goal.
McLaren may have even bigger problems on his plate soon, with Ayoze Perez being linked with a move away from St James Park. Below are five potential replacements for him, or on the other hand options that could bolster the strikeforce of Perez, Alexsandr Mitrovic and Georigno Wijnaldum further.
Hit McClaren below to see FIVE strikers he should target in January
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Matthew Rusike
The Transfer Tavern had previously reported that Newcastle United were monitoring the situation of the Zimbabwean forward. Rusike is capable of playing in both a central and wide attacking role, and has scored 3 goals in 10 games for Halmstads this season.
The former Charlton Athletic youth product may be someone who could provide greater competition to Newcastle’s current attacking options, and for now could be signed as a squad player.
Peter Crouch
Crouch has recently been linked with a move away from Stoke City, though the former England forward insists he is ready to fight for his place. With Mark Hughes’ transformation of turning Stoke away from a long ball side almost complete, it could be time for Crouch to make way.
At the age of 34, a move to St James Park on a short term basis could be one final chapter in the beanpole’s career. With a strong physical presence, Crouch could give Newcastle a different dimension off the bench.
Divock Origi
Though Origi had previously started the first few games under Jurgen Klopp, it appears that he is not quite the finished article. If Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge are able to prove their fitness, then Origi could be allowed to leave on loan to gain some more experience.
Origi’s pace would suit Newcastle’s other attacking players, such as Moussa Sissoko and Wijanldum, and he could prove a useful asset to the side.
Leonardo Ulloa
Ulloa had taken the Premier League by storm at the start of last season, but the Argentine has found his minutes in short supply so far this season, with Claudio Ranieri preferring the electric Jamie Vardy and Japanese forward Shinji Okazaki.
Ulloa may seek a move away from the King Power in order to get more game time, and having already shown he is capable of getting the goals, could again be a useful acquistiion if at a reasonable price.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Newcastle could also look to another loan option in the form of exciting Man City youngster, Iheanacho. The Nigerian has impressed this season, with many hoping he might be the first of many to finally make a breakthrough through the City youth set up.
However, once Aguero returns to fitness, Iheanacho may find his chances limited, and Pellegrini may therefore want to give him some game time at another Premier League side.
