OPINION
Newcastle could reportedly reignite their interest in Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie after he was placed on the transfer list by Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino.
The Sun claim the 26-year-old will be allowed to leave the club this summer after Southampton completed the signing of Juventus star Mario Lemina for a fee of £13.5million.
It is said that 17-time Holland international Clasie was interesting Newcastle before the midfielder opted to join Southampton from Dutch side Feyenoord two years ago.
Southampton spent £8million on Clasie to lure him to St. Mary’s, and will be looking to recuperate that figure should Clasie depart before the end of the transfer window with the deadline fast approaching.
Known for his combative midfield displays, Clasie could be the ideal midfielder for Benitez as the Toon look to add a steeliness to their performances after losing their two opening matches against Tottenham and Huddersfield.
This Is Futbol weighs up whether a move is likely for Clasie to join the Toon and if a deal would be good for the north-east outfit:
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle desperately need reinforcements all over the pitch but none more so than in the middle of the park.
Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Huddersfield saw Jonjo Shelvey serve the first of a three-match ban, while Jack Colback remains ostracised after being left out of Rafa Benitez’s 25-man Premier League squad.
The Toon started with Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden in the middle of the park, but they were easily outshone by goalscorer Aaron Mooy who starred for the Terriers.
Bringing in Clasie, who is known for his work rate and defensive qualities, will give a showman like Shelvey the ammunition to dictate Newcastle’s attacks from deep. The two would combine perfectly.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.
Likely to happen?
Clasie is now likely to be on the lookout for a move elsewhere with his chances of first-team football gone if he has indeed been placed on the transfer list at Southampton.
The Saints have plenty of options other than Clasie in the middle of the park following the signing of Lemina, with the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Steven Davis, Oriol Romeu and Lemina all vying for a first-team slot.
Clasie is in the prime of his career now at 26 years of age and will be looking to make the most of that by gaining regular first-team football.
The only stumbling block preventing from the Toon from signing Clasie will be whether Toon owner Mike Ashley is willing to stump up the cash needed to secure the midfielder’s services before the end of the window.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10.