Newcastle United

Stelling delivers verdict on Newcastle ahead of 2017-18 season

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Image for Stelling delivers verdict on Newcastle ahead of 2017-18 season

Sky Sports pundit Jeff Stelling has urged “rock-solid” Newcastle United to add a few fresh faces to their squad this summer.

Newcastle sealed an immediate return to the Premier League ahead of the 2017-18 season, with automatic promotion and a Championship title in the bag from the most recent campaign.

Their imminent return to action has seen manager Rafa Benitez reportedly identify a number of potential new recruits, as he seeks to shake-up his first-team squad in the coming months.

Benitez has been handed the much-needed backing of the club’s owner Mike Ashley in the transfer market, and Stelling has backed the Spaniard to dip into the summer transfer market.

He said, as quoted by the Chronicle: “It’s a massive football club. Everyone loves coming to St. James’ Park and everybody loves it when the Toon Army goes to their ground as well because they’re fantastic fans.

“Let’s hope this time they’ve got a fantastic team to go with them. They’ve got a top manager in Rafa Benitez, somebody I know and I’ve got a lot of time for.

“I’d like to see them making a few signings in the pretty new future but I think they’ll have a rock-solid season in the Premier League.”

Newcastle have been very strongly linked with a loan move for Chelsea attacker Tammy Abraham, who excelled in the Championship last term during a spell at Bristol City.

The youngster netted 23 goals from his 41 league appearances at Ashton Gate, and the Sun claim that Newcastle are one of three interested clubs this summer.

Meanwhile, a move for a new defender has also been speculated, with the Mirror claiming that Benitez has agreed an £8.7million fee with Eibar for centre-back Florian Lejeune.

The transfer window does not open to English clubs until July 1, and while Newcastle can make progress with their potential new recruits, they can’t be officially unveiled until that date.

Newcastle have already secured the services of on loan Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, who contributed five goals and three assist at the club last season, on a permanent basis.

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