Our landlord’s spent the last few weeks trying to lower the expectations of Newcastle United drinkers in the Transfer Tavern, who are certain their club will be challenging the Premier League’s big boys next season.
Regardless, the Tavern’s Magpies drinkers are convinced some shrewd signings during the summer can push the club back towards the heights it reached under Kevin Keegan and with that in mind, our landlord has ushered them in the direction of Manchester United.
The Red Devils look set for a pretty busy summer as Jose Mourinho looks to transform a squad that finished a lowly sixth in the Premier League this season, and he’ll inevitably have axe some of the players at his disposal to make room for new recruits.
That could prove to be superb news for the Toon Army should their club act quickly by snapping up these three fringe players from the ranks at Old Trafford – as suggested by our ever-trusty landlord.
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling had established himself as arguably Manchester United’s most important defender under Louis van Gaal and a key leadership figure within the squad, often wearing the captain’s armband.
But Jose Mourinho doesn’t appear quite as convinced as his predecessor and – although injures have also been a factor – the England international was issued just 13 Premier League starts this season.
Victor Lindelof’s pending move to Old Trafford suggests Smalling could plummet further down the pecking order in the coming months so this summer is undoubtedly the right time to convince the towering centre-back his future lays elsewhere.
Newcastle have some decent options at the heart of defence but the 27-year-old would eclipse all of them in terms of quality and has the potential to become a real leader in the dressing room.
James Wilson
James Wilson showed so much promise when he first burst onto the scene during Ryan Giggs’ caretaker stint as Red Devils boss, but his senior career just hasn’t got off the ground – despite getting more than enough chances with United and during Championship loan spells with Brighton and Derby County.
Yet, it would be wrong to write off such a young player so soon, and especially one as hardworking as the 21-year-old forward. Of course, offering Wilson a starring role at Newcastle would be more than a tad premature – he’s netted just eight league goals throughout his entire career.
But the United youth product clearly has talent within him and with opportunities at Old Trafford likely limited for the foreseeable future, a move to Newcastle could be exactly what he needs to truly realise that potential.
Luke Shaw
Newcastle need a Premier League-quality left-back and they’ll be hard pressed to find one better than Luke Shaw this summer. It wasn’t long ago the former Southampton prodigy was being tipped as one of the most exciting defenders in Europe and let’s not forget United parted with a staggering sum to bring him to Old Trafford in 2014.
Of course, Shaw has since suffered more than his fair share of injury problems, which will inevitably put off potential suitors this summer. But having a fully fit Luke Shaw available for the majority of the season would add a completely new dynamic to Newcastle’s attack – his contributions on the overlap can border upon world-class.
Considering his injury issues, Shaw undoubtedly represents a massive risk for Newcastle – but one that could shape their season should it pay off.
