Frank McAvennie has dropped an encouraging transfer claim on Tyler Roberts and whether he would fit in at Newcastle United.
The Lowdown: Newcastle eyeing Roberts
As per Football Insider, the Magpies are closely monitoring the 22-year-old ahead of a potential move from Leeds United once the summer transfer window opens.
He is out of contract at Elland Road in 2022 and is yet to agree an extension, so the Whites may view a deal this summer as a good opportunity to cash in on him in order to gain some value from a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
The Latest: McAvennie claims Roberts would start at Newcastle
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie - who is now a pundit after playing for the likes of West Ham United and Celtic - has claimed that Roberts would be a starter under Steve Bruce at St James' Park, believing that the Toon Army would instantly warm up to him. The 61-year-old said:
“If he’s not getting a game, I think so.
“If you’re not playing you have to ask to leave. If he goes to Newcastle he’ll be a starter straight away.
“They have great fans and they will love him up there if he hits the ground running.
“Roberts can ask for guarantees but the manager can’t give them. He can only give them if he’s playing well.
“You can’t tell a player he will always start because what if he starts playing badly? It’s a stupid statement.
“At his age, he’s got to be playing.”
The Verdict: Roberts would add to Newcastle squad
Roberts is certainly a player who could add something to the Magpies squad, and with the added experience of playing at Premier League level under Marcelo Bielsa, he would not have to adapt to the demands of the division were he to join Newcastle.
McAvennie's point about his game-time is also pertinent - while the forward has played in 26 league games this season, only 14 of those have been as a starter.
Also, at just 22 years of age, Roberts should get even better over the next few years, while his added versatility is also a quality which could be very useful to have on Tyneside next season, especially with the amount of injuries the Magpies have incurred to key players such as Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson.
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The Welshman would certainly seem to be a smart buy should Newcastle look to sign him in the summer.
In other news, Lee Ryder has shared some insight from sources close to the potential takeover of NUFC on a possible timescale for arbitration.