The Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern have been reacting to a story in The Daily Mail that has linked Baggies defender, Craig Dawson with a move to St James Park. West Brom’s relegation was confirmed last night as Southampton beat Swansea 1-0 and now a host of their senior squad could be looking at an exit from The Hawthorns.
#NUFC are interested in WBA defender Craig Dawson.
Dawson will be a target for a number of top-flight clubs this summer after the Baggies' were relegated. United are already plotting a move for the £15million-rated defender. Celtic are also keen on the 28-year-old. [Daily Mail]— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) May 9, 2018
A number of top-flight clubs will be looking to West Brom for reinforcements this season The Baggies lasted eight seasons in the Premier League and accumulated some top players, who were ultimately relegated by the incompetence of Alan Pardew. Dawson, alongside Jonny Evans, Salomon Rondon, Jay Rodriguez, Kieran Gibbs, Nacer Chadli and Matt Phillips will surely be on his way out of the club and St James Park could be the perfect destination for him.
The versatile defender can play anywhere along the back line and with the imminent departure of Chancel Mbemba, a place could become available for Dawson, who has both Premier League quality and experience in abundance. Whilst the Geordies can’t be blamed for looking at transfer targets, it’s more important that they manage to tie down Rafa Benitez on a long-term contract. The Spanish tactician’s contract expires next summer and if he isn’t given funds to help improve the squad then he could move on from his role next summer, something the Magpies would hate to see.
You can read our resident Geordies’ verdict on Benitez here:
I don't think he's better than what we have. Rondon, Rodriguez, Gibbs & Burke I rate
— Ben Broad (@JarnyBen) May 9, 2018
We’ll be linked with 500 players this summer at least. I’ll try not to get too worked up about any of them.
— John McHale (@TheMachine1981) May 9, 2018
Can we secure Rafa for next season before we get linked to average players.. I think we should no more sooner rather than later. Will we hear something straight after Chelsea game? If he’s not going to get £££ he won’t leave fans hanging, surely? #NUFC
— TooNaRMY (@RAFALUTION86) 9 May 2018
I’d take rondon
— Kyle (@GeordieKyle) May 9, 2018
Why buy players from teams in relegation scrap doesn’t make sense
— A.K.Blk (@BlackAliblack1) 9 May 2018
Rather go after Alfie mawson than him tbh
— Jordan Taylor (@JordieT96) May 9, 2018
Mbemba is gone this summer so we'll want a replacement. Not sure about 15m but he's a decent premier league defender
— Raj Bithal (@Biffarinho) May 9, 2018
