OPINION
Newcastle would boost their chances of Premier League survival this season by elbowing Swansea aside and securing a deal to sign Celtic playmaker Stuart Armstrong.
The Sun claim Swansea are interested in signing 25-year-old Scotland international Armstrong with a fortnight remaining in the transfer window, as Gylfi Sugurdsson edges closer to joining Everton.
It is said that Armstrong is stalling over a current contract offer from Brendan Rodgers’ side due to the length of the deal, and is now under pressure to make a decision.
Southampton are also said to be keen on signing the former Dundee United star, but are behind Swansea in the running to land his signature with the report claiming Swansea are set to table a £6million offer for Armstrong.
The versatile midfielder could be swayed by a move to the Premier League but Newcastle must make his journey to England a shorter one, rather than travelling all the way to Wales or the south coast.
Rafa Benitez’s side are devoid of any kind of creative talent in their side, which showed against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon as they managed just six attempts on goal compared to Spurs’ 18 efforts.
Ayoze Perez was non-existent in the number 10 role, while Mohamed Diame was not even included in the 18-man squad to face Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Armstrong showed last season just what he is capable of from attacking midfield, as he played a pivotal role in Celtic’s treble-winning side as well as impressing in the Champions League group stages.
Scoring 17 goals, Armstrong also had the creative nous to create seven strikes as assists during 47 league and cup outings, and if he was able to replicate that kind of form at St. James’ Park then the Toon would have no problem in avoiding the drop.
Owner Mike Ashley has frustrated Benitez this summer with the Spanish manager given little money to spend, but at just £6million, Armstrong’s form and talent is hard to ignore.
It would also see Armstrong team up with Scotland internationals Grant Hanley and Matt Ritchie, which would allow him to hit the ground running.
Possessing the necessary ingredients missing from Newcastle’s bid of avoiding an instant return to the Championship, Armstrong would be the perfect Benitez signing at just £6million.