Newcastle United supporters have been pretty downbeat in the Transfer Tavern during the international break after seeing their side lose back-to-back Premier League matches prior to the fortnight interruption.
Rafa Benitez’s men made a solid start to the new season upon return to the top-flight by winning four of their opening nine games, but successive defeats at the hands of Sean Dyche’s Burnley and Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth has instigated their fall to 11th in the league table. And things don’t get any easier for the North East giants as they face a daunting trip to Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on Saturday, where they will go in search of their first victory at Old Trafford since 2013.
Thus, there have been many despondent Magpies fans in the Tavern in recent times, and their mood is unlikely to be improved by a recent report from Bild (via Inside Futbol), which details some intriguing quotes from the agent of reported Newcastle target Lewis Holtby.
The former Tottenham and Fulham midfielder currently plays his trade at Bundesliga outfit Hamburg but has struggled for first time football so far this season, having failed to start any of their last five league matches.
And as such the 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club in the coming windows, with Newcastle one club reportedly interested in his services.
However, his agent suggests that he will indeed see out his contract at Hamburg, saying: ‘I am assuming that Lewis will fulfil his contract with Hamburg and there are no signs from the club that he should leave earlier, and I am sure that the club will need him over the course of the season to bring his qualities to bear.’
And these comments are likely to disappoint several of our resident Newcastle fans, with another transfer window of frustration potentially on the horizon for Benitez and the club’s hierarchy.
Landlord’s verdict: Lewis Holtby did little in his spell in England at both Tottenham and Fulham between 2013 and 2015 to convince many of his ability, but it appears that Rafa Benitez is indeed a fan.
The Newcastle manager has been linked with a move for the Hamburg outcast in recent times in a bid to bolster his attacking ranks, although the Spaniard may have just suffered a huge blow as the player’s agent has suggested that a move away from the club before the end of his contract is unlikely.
Obviously, circumstances could well change between now and January 1, and if Holtby were to remain out of the Hamburg side on a regular basis, it’s plausible that Newcastle could take a chance by making a move for the Germany international.
Newcastle fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!
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