OPINION
Newcastle United seem to be heading in the right direction for a change, and that is all down to one individual – striker Salomon Rondon.
His brace at the weekend against Bournemouth proved exactly why Rafa Benitez was wise to secure a loan deal for him in the first place – but he needs a player who can provide him with sufficient service.
Yes, Kenedy provided a jaw-dropping ball for Rondon to fire in a bullet header, but that was a rare piece of magic from the loanee, and that certainly cannot be relied upon for the rest of the season.
That is why the Magpies must consider pouncing for Sporting winger Carlos Mane, after being previously linked by Teamtalk with a move for him in the summer.
Mane is a promising and talented winger, who is considered to be hugely versatile as he is able to operate on both the flanks and as a centre-forward.
These types of attributes must be music to Rafa Benitez’ ears, especially with the lack of depth he has in the attacking roles at the moment.
Rondon is his only in-form striker right now, as Joselu is hardly firing on all cylinders, while Ayoze Perez performs well only when he feels like doing so.
This is why securing a deal for the young playmaker would be very smart indeed – and considering that he is only 24-years-old, he is likely to only warrant a small fee for his services.
Benitez stated that signing a winger in the January transfer window was a priority for him, and considering that owner Mike Ashley is unlikely to provide a high amount of funds, Mane fits the bill perfectly.
It is evident to see in Newcastle’s last few matches that an extra injection of energy is needed in order to provide the last piece of the puzzle in terms of the attack – and Benitez could get pulses racing if he completes the move for the dazzler.