OPINION
While there are a number of things Newcastle United fans would like to see their team improve on, it would be the development and growth of homegrown talent.
The Toon Army might not have the same proud history that some of their top flight rivals have when it comes to bringing young talent through the ranks and into the first team, but when you consider the likes of English heroes Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley both grew up on Tyneside, there is no reason why that should be the case.
In recent years there has been a complete dearth of youngsters making that step up, and in the last decade only Paul Dummett has established himself as a senior mainstay in his left back role.
The Welsh international – born in Newcastle – is a firm fan favourite at St James’ Park for his resolute, no nonsense displays, but has also found himself a first team regular thanks to a lack of quality competition – which cannot be the case any longer.
Freelance journalist Tim Nash claims that the Magpies are looking at hijacking Wolves’ £16million agreement with Manchester City to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, the versatile Ukrainian star having featured 14 times for City last season, all at left back.
Wolves have made two summer signings, with Mexico striker Raul Jimenez on loan from Benfica and Portugal keeper Rui Patricio snapped up from Sporting Lisbon and a £16m deal is in place for Man City wing back Olegsandr Zinchenko.
— Tim Nash (@TimNash_1) July 9, 2018
Zinchenko, 21, is still to decide his future, with Newcastle also in the hunt for the Ukraine international. He wanted to talk to City boss Pep Guardiola after training today before making a decision.
— Tim Nash (@TimNash_1) July 9, 2018
A completely different style of player to Dummett, 21-year-old Zinchenko has bags of pace to burn and is an attacking threat as much as he is a competent defender – and with Newcastle having operated primarily on the counter attack last season, he could be a valuable asset.
With no other natural left backs in the squad, Rafael Benitez needs to get at least one new recruit through the door, and he would be an perfect replacement for Dummett if and when he was needed – of course, he could well stake his claim for a first team role.
Able to play further up the wing or in midfield, his versatility would make him a good player to have in the squad – it just means splashing out and hijacking Wolves’ move.