If Mike Ashley persuades Rafa Benitez to stay at Newcastle United, he has promised him a £100m war chest to strengthen.
Considering he delivered a 10th placed finish on a shoe-string budget last season, he could make a real impact if he was given £100m to spend by Mike Ashley. The Spaniard has often been left frustrated in the transfer market, if he signs a new contract keeping him at the club, it seems that may no longer be the issue it once was.
Certainly, Rafa Benitez would want to bring a striker into the club. They looked lightweight up-top last season, Joselu just did not seem great quality, and did not bring much to the side aside from his hold up play. Dwight Gayle is prolific at Championship level, but has struggled to make the step up and become lethal in the Premier League. Ayoze Perez is lightweight and drifts in and out of games.
Indeed, all over the pitch Newcastle look like they could do with strengthening. Their key man is Jonjo Shelvey in the middle of the park, he has the ability to pick a pass and bring others into play. More players of the technical ability of Shelvey would be a huge bonus for the Magpies.
With that in mind, here are three coups which would transform Newcastle United…
Danny Ings has had an injury-hit time at Liverpool.
However, he would still be a big upgrade on what is currently available to Benitez going forward. In his time at Burnley, he proved himself to be an intelligent player and lethal finisher. At 25, if he can recover from his injury problems the Magpies should get many good seasons from the Winchester-born striker.
His ability to run in behind would be perfect to team up with Jonjo Shelvey, who can play weighted balls over the top.
Ings is valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt. If the Spanish manager does get a £100m war chest, he should be able to comfortably attract Ings to St James Park.
Christian Benteke was Crystal Palace’s record signing.
With just three Premier League goals last season, it was something of a disaster for the big Belgian. He did have a solid season with the Eagles the season before last however.
Benteke has previously proven himself to be a lethal Premier League striker in his time with Aston Villa. His aerial presence and strength would add a new dimension to Newcastle United’s attack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5wUKHZGd-o
The Bologna midfielder is valued by Transfermarkt at £9m.
He is a big, powerful midfielder who will get Newcastle on the move, he would provide the perfect complement to Jonjo Shelvey with his blistering pace and willingness to make runs from midfield.
Given his importance to Bologna, it would be difficult to prise him away from Serie A, but if Rafa Benitez has the war chest he has been promised, he should go after Donsah.
