OPINION
James McArthur’s intelligence on the football field would be crucial in Newcastle’s fight against Premier League relegation next season if the Toon look to sign him from Crystal Palace.
The Daily Mail claim Burnley are interested in signing the Crystal Palace midfielder, who could become out of favour under new manager Frank de Boer at Selhurst Park with the former Ajax boss said to be keen to bolster his midfield.
It is said that Aston Villa have also made enquiries for the Scotland international, who caught the eye in the middle of the park last season with his box-to-box style playing a key part in Palace’s fight against relegation.
Newcastle have made two signings this summer with Benitez likely to press on in the near future in order to keep his side in the top flight after gaining promotion from the Championship.
This Is Futbol believes McArthur would provide the Toon with the necessary experience to stay float in a relegation dogfight and join the Magpies as their third signing along with Florian Lejeune and Christian Atsu.
Here are three reasons why, including the form of a 27-year-old midfielder that is simply not good enough for the Championship, let alone the Premier League: