‘We are going up, we are going up’ is a chant that erupts from the Newcastle booth here in the Transfer Tavern with real regularity, with Rafa Benitez’s side all but guaranteed an immediate return to the Premier League.
The Magpies may have slipped behind Brighton recently in the battle to top the division, but with five games left to play they hold a 10-point advantage over Huddersfield (albeit the Terriers have a match in hand) at the top of the play-off spots, so it would be a massive shock to see them drop into the dreaded end-of-season lottery.
And the Independent believe there’s real confidence in the Newcastle ranks with plans being put in place for signings to announce the club’s Premier League return. It’s understood that Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross is a wanted man at St James’ Park, with Benitez keen to draft in a reliable defender to build his rearguard around. Shawcross is currently the Potters’ skipper, but the bet365 Stadium outfit have allowed him to edge towards the last year of his contract, which has encouraged Newcastle.
Fans have been debating the deal on Twitter and the consensus seems to be he would be welcomed on Tyneside…
Ryan Shawcross linked with #nufc , would happily take him. Would of been a England international if that tackle he did didn’t happen
— TalkNUFC (@TalkNUFC1) April 12, 2017
Shawcross to Newcastle?
Yes please #nufc— Bafa Renitez (@goneforaburton6) April 12, 2017
@NUFC360 Shawcross fine. Still would much prefer Harry Maguire. Classy player, age on his side, lives up north already etc. Would probably cost more.
— Oliver Bell (@OGBELL84) April 12, 2017
@StephNUFC @SimonR83 Shawcross is an established PL player, would bring much needed experience & quality to our back line but what does Rafa know
— Skeems (@Skeems1) April 12, 2017
@NUFC360 Shawcross and Clark at CB – solid and reliable. Yes please Rafa #nufc
— Darren Glasper (@darrenglasper) April 12, 2017
Don’t care what anyone says about him but as a defender Shawcross would be a tremendous signing to play alongside Clark/Lascelles #NUFC
— Dayle (@DayleBarron) April 12, 2017
@NUFC360 Would love Shawcross mind, commanding CB, Instant Captain
— Dayle (@DayleBarron) April 12, 2017
Shawcross would be a sensational signing for us. Mike Ashley, get the deal done ASAP! #NUFC
— Ian Rawlings (@ianrawlingsnufc) April 12, 2017
Shawcross is a good defender like!
No nonsense. Always gives 100%.
Reads the game well. Be a class signing, to play alongside Clarke for me.— L.K.Andersen (@GeordieRacer) April 12, 2017
