The Mirror is reporting that Lewis McGugan is interesting Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew at a price of £1.5m
The Nottingham Forest central midfielder, who can also play in a more advanced role behind the striker, has been a consistent performer for the last two successive seasons for Forest in which the club have fallen agonizingly short of promotion on both occasions.
Young and agile with a wonderful technique, McGugan’s profile rose to it’s highest point last season thanks to a stunning 35 yard free-kick against Ipswich Town which was voted Championship Goal of the Season. Forest would be loathe to lose McGugan, last seasons top scorer with 13 goals, and Steve McLaren has already stressed his need to add to his squad rather than deplete it.
The main question lies in if Newcastle actually need this player. There is no doubt that McGugan has talent, but Newcastle already have a wealth of talent in midfield with plenty of Premier League experience.
If the fee quoted is accurate, it would be considered a bargain and therefore probably risk free on Newcastle’s part – but you can’t imagine McGugan would be too happy to sit on the bench for Newcastle. Ben Arfa, Tiote, Barton and new arrival Cabaye have more than enough skill to hold McGugan out of the team – so would it be considered a worthwhile transfer for either club?
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/stighefootball
