Newcastle United are working hard on securing new attacking recruits but they will not be pursuing a move for West Brom winger Matt Phillips, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper delivered the definitive update on the reported pursuit of the Baggies attacker after the Daily Mail had claimed the Magpies were in the hunt alongside Cardiff and Middlesbrough for his capture, insisting that there were other targets on the agenda for Rafael Benitez.
It is stated that Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend is among one of many names on a shortlist for the Spanish boss, who is prioritising the signing of a striker as behind-the-scenes work continues over the club’s transfer business.
Opinion
Phillips was a solid but unremarkable talent in the Premier League and the Magpies may well have dodged a bullet by not chasing his capture following West Brom’s relegation to the Premier League. The north east outfit need proven performers in England’s top flight but they are going to cost a pretty penny, so it may be that Benitez is forced to scour the European market rather than looking closer to home. Perhaps if Phillips is still available for a cut price move come the end of the summer, then Newcastle will ponder a swoop, but for now they are much better off taking their time to negotiate deals for more exciting prospects than the Baggies man. Benitez is right to be prioritising a hunt for a new striker this summer, for the likes of Dwight Gayle and Joselu have not been up to standard, but finding the right option for the right price is the difficult task that lies ahead.