Newcastle United supporters have been slightly more upbeat in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their side come from two goals down to draw 2-2 away at West Brom on Tuesday night, thus ending a run of four successive Premier League defeats.
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 matches, but defeats at the hands of Burnley, Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Watford saw them drop out of the top half. And things didn’t look good at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night either as goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Field gave the hosts a two-goal cushion, yet the Magpies fought back as a Ciaran Clark header and a Jonny Evans own goal secured a point for the visitors to end their four-match losing run.
Thus, there have been many satisfied Newcastle fans in the Tavern this week, several of whom are eagerly anticipating their team’s clash with Premier League champions Chelsea in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.
Elsewhere, a number of our resident Magpies supporters have been discussing what business their side could look to do in the upcoming January transfer window, and many have pointed to a recent report which suggests that Manchester United’s Daley Blind faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old has failed to start any of the Red Devils’ last 11 Premier League games and has just 11 appearances to show for the season so far, only five of which have come in the league.
And with the Dutchman reportedly yet to enter contract negotiations with the club, his future looks set to be away from the North West, and Newcastle must look to try and snap up the former Ajax star, as his versatility and Premier League experience could seriously improve Benitez’s side.
Ultimately, although they made a solid start to the campaign, there have been a few question marks regarding the Magpies’ defensive abilities in recent weeks, given that they haven’t kept a clean sheet since beating Crystal Palace 1-0 back on October 21, and have since then conceded 11 goals in five games.
And while that isn’t a horrendous defensive record, when goals aren’t free-flowing at the other end, that figure needs improving, and who better to come in than someone like Blind, who has proven his worth to United as both a centre-back and a left-back during his time at Old Trafford.
As well as his versatility, in which he can also play in the centre of midfield, the Netherlands international would also bring a wealth of top-flight experience to a relatively inexperienced Newcastle squad.
Ultimately, when one looks at their current squad, it’s a very similar team to the one that won them promotion from the Championship last season, which itself is reflective of the difficulties the club had during the summer transfer window.
And, as a result, there aren’t many players in that team that are seasoned professionals at Premier League level, yet Blind has played 87 times in the Premier League during his career and a further 119 times in the Eredivisie, so certainly knows his way around the top tier.
And with it looking like his United career could be coming to an end, the Magpies, who will undoubtedly be on the lookout for reinforcements in January, should seriously consider moving for the £19.8 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) when the window reopens.
Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!
