OPINION
With Mikel Merino looking destined for the exit, Mohamed Diame edging the wrong side of 30 and Isaac Hayden still unproven at Premier League level, the need for another central midfielder at Newcastle United seems to be top priority.
The Magpies kept faith in Jonjo Shelvey and Diame for much of the last campaign and it worked to great effect, their abilities and attributes complementing each other, but there were times when the pair were outshone by the opposition.
That lack of quality highlighted just how much Newcastle could do with a top performer in the role, and Rafael Benitez may have been onto a winner in the shape of Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Chronicle claimed that the Spanish boss was keen on raiding his former side for a loan swoop involving the England star, with Newcastle having taken a player on a temporary deal from Stamford Bridge for part of the last two seasons.
Possessing strong attributes on both a physical and technical level, his pace and power complementing his ball control, passing ability and vision, Loftus-Cheek would have been an ideal signing to bolster Benitez’s midfield, but it seems as though he is set to be disappointed in the pursuit.
After impressing at Crystal Palace during the last campaign, there was undoubtedly plenty of interest in the 22-year-old’s capture – but that is not the real bombshell for Newcastle.
Journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that Everton were one of the Magpies’ competitors for the youngster’s capture, even trying to table an offer to prise him from Stamford Bridge, but after being on the fringes at the Blues for so long, they are said to be ready to give him more of a senior role as he looks to add to his 32 first team appearances.
Competition for his signing Newcastle might have been able to overcome, but convincing Chelsea to let a player they want to keep is another matter entirely.
It will be a bombshell to Benitez’s hopes, for there are few players who are an all-round package like Loftus-Cheek.
The hunt continues.