OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez should be considering every avenue possible as he bids to try and add some creativity to his team in the January transfer window.
Seeing as Mike Ashley loves a bargain, and considering the lack of first team opportunities this player is currently receiving, it might be worth the Magpies making a move for out of favour Crystal Palace dazzler Jason Puncheon.
The Englishman’s career has stagnated at Selhurst Park of late and he needs a manager to put an arm around him and unlock the creative capabilities he showed early on in his Palace tenure.
Plus, it’s known that the 32-year-old is available. The Evening Standard reported that Roy Hodgson gave the player his blessing to join Middlesbrough this summer but that the move eventually broke down.
It’s unsurprising, then, that the veteran has made just four first team appearances this term, including only two minutes of Premier League action.
While that may not sound like a player who is an ideal fit for a Newcastle team that will be looking to stave off relegation this season, Puncheon has many of the qualities that this Magpies team lack.
His has remarkable technical ability and is capable of driving at opposition defences. None of Newcastle’s midfielders ever really take the ball and run with it, meaning that Puncheon would add an extra dimension to Benitez’s team.
He provides goal, as well. Kenedy has netted once this season, while his fellow first team regulars Mohamed Diame, Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey have all failed to find the back of the net.
Puncheon’s dead ball ability could be crucial for Newcastle, too, especially considering the aerial ability of striker Salomon Rondon.
All in all, a move for Puncheon could represent one of those under-the-radar signings that can change seasons. He is wallowing in footballing purgatory at Palace, Newcastle need to hand him a lifeline.