OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez might be looking to secure a host of new arrivals during the summer transfer market – but the budget he has at his disposal will no doubt limit his abilities to sign his top targets once again.
The Magpies are being held back by the stringent ways of owner Mike Ashley, whose method of running a football club on a shoestring budget has only been something of a success thanks to Benitez’s magic from the touchline, and the Toon Army are desperate for something to change.
Until then though, the Spanish boss will have to continue seeking out a bargain or two in the transfer market – and he could have found one in the shape of Aston Villa’s Albert Adomah.
The Sunday Sun claim in their print edition (Sunday, 08/07, Page 60) that the Magpies have identified the 30-year-old as a potential second choice if they cannot secure the return of Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace, and considering Villa’s major financial crisis, a cut-price offer could seal a deal.
A winger by trade, Adomah was in fine form last season with 15 goals and seven assists across all competitions, and while Steve Bruce would be reluctant to see one of his star men depart, the promise of some actual transfer funds, as well as keeping the club afloat, could tempt them into a sale.
At 30, and without proven Premier League experience, the Magpies should not be splashing out more than £10million for his capture, and even then it would be a risk on whether he can take his form from the Championship to the top flight.
Still, a bargain looks like it could be on the cards, and with Newcastle desperate for some cutting edge in attack, launching a bargain bid is an absolute must.