OPINION
It’s become clear this season that Everton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is way down manager Marco Silva’s pecking order.
Andre Gomes, Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies all appear to be ahead of the France international, and sitting on the bench every week isn’t good enough for someone of Schneiderlin’s talent.
Perhaps, then, Newcastle United should consider making a move for the 29-year-old. It’s a deal that would suit all parties, particularly the Magpies who have a glaring need in the middle of midfield.
Jonjo Shelvey is currently out injured, while his fellow central midfielder Ki Sung-yueng will soon depart for the Asian Cup. That doesn’t leave manager Rafael Benitez with many options.
Schneiderlin would be an extremely smart acquisition by the Spaniard. Benitez has shown an ability to get the best out of his players, and Schneiderlin needs someone to put an arm around him and guide him pack to the form he displayed so regularly for Southampton.
An unhappy spell at Manchester United said more about the Red Devils than the Frenchman, but there is no doubt that the combative midfielder has failed to cut the mustard at Goodison Park.
A fresh start on Tyneside would be ideal for him, while providing the Magpies with help in an area of need. Even when all of Benitez’s midfielders have been available, Newcastle have struggled for consistency in the middle of the park.
With Mohamed Diame in the twilight of his career Newcastle could do with recruiting a new defensive midfielder. Schneiderlin could be the man, although he would likely need to drop his wages a little bit in order to fit into the pay structure at St James’ Park.
A top class footballer still lurks within the former United star, and Benitez could be the man to coax him out. This is a no brainer of a move that would instantly improve this Magpies team. Rafa should pick up the phone as soon as possible.