OPINION
With their attacking department looking rather depleted, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley needs to tighten his grip on the club’s transfer funds and allow boss Rafa Benitez to seek out the striker targets he desperately needs.
Forward Aleksandar Mitrovic could potentially be exiting St James’ Park for Fulham, and main target Alassane Plea opted to join Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach – meaning that the Spaniard has less than a month to find a suitable striker who can lift the clubs’ hopes.
Without any attacking reinforcements, United could find themselves in a relegation tussle next season – and it is paramount that a player is found.
West Ham’s Javier Hernandez is an option that Benitez should definitely consider.
At the Hammers, he was used out wide in order for fellow hitman Marko Arnautovic, despite his preferred option of playing down the middle where he is arguably more effective.
Now that the club have also signed Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko, this could complicate the situation for Hernandez – and he may find himself relegated down the pecking order to accommodate these players in the attack.
These new arrivals at the London Stadium means that the Mexican international’s future is arguably uncertain, and Benitez needs to swoop for him in light of his rivals’ recent transfer activity.
At the Toon, the 30-year-old has the opportunity to play in his preferred position down the middle, and this would prove to be extremely effective for Benitez as he has the potential to be lethal in front of goal in this area.
He would be guaranteed regular playing time with the Magpies, and this may be a significant factor for him in deciding whether he would consider a move there.
Benitez now needs to take advantage of Hernandez’ unclear future at the Irons, and make a swoop for the talented frontman as he is the perfect solution to his striker crisis.