OPINION
With Newcastle United having swapped places between the Premier League and the Championship with fierce north east rivals Sunderland at the end of the 2016/17 season, the two clubs have rarely come into contact with each other.
While the Magpies went on to secure an impressive 10th placed finish on their return to the top flight, the Black Cats could not replicate the achievement of securing immediate promotion, instead finishing in the relegation zone for the second successive season and ending up in League One.
Now the only time the Tyne-Wear derby is reignited is either at under-23 or under-18 level, and the most recent reserve clash, coming back in August, finished 5-0 to those in black and white stripes at St James’ Park.
However, the first team has failed to impress, no thanks to a front line who look toothless, and they will be wishing that they had someone as in form as Sunderland’s Josh Maja, who has netted nine goals in 12 appearances in the third tier.
His red hot form has led to the Mirror reporting that Tottenham, Manchester City and Southampton all tracking the 19-year-old ahead of a potential capture, but with the Magpies needing some firepower, they must do what they can to prise the youngster from their rivals and giving him the Premier League chance he deserves.
With a contract that expires next summer, he will have to be available at a cut price in January or up for compensation at the end of his deal, and Newcastle would love to be able to rub Sunderland’s nose in it by snapping up his signature.
He might be a raw talent but form can be everything, and knowing that he can deal with the pressure – not to mention the cold – of the north east works in Newcastle’s favour.