OPINION
Matt Ritchie spared Newcastle United’s blushes on Saturday as his late penalty rescued a replay against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup, and it was not a performance to be proud of from the Magpies.
Rafa Benitez’s side were outplayed for much of the game by a slick Rovers side who look like they could get among the play-off places in the Championship this season.
One player who stood out for the visitors was attacking midfielder Bradley Dack, who added to his tally as their top scorer this season with the opening goal of the game.
The 25-year-old has been among the best players in the Championship this season with 10 goals and four assists in the competition for the club, and that kind of form has attracted the attention of some Premier League clubs.
Surprisingly, despite their desperate need for a creative attacking midfielder like Dack, Newcastle have not been named among those chasing the London-born star.
That must now change however with Dack offering Benitez creativity and drive through the middle, something which the Magpies have severely lacked all season.
And, having seen him rip his side apart with ease on Saturday, Benitez must now be well aware of Dack’s talents and abilities as he seeks reinforcements this month.
Obviously the issue here will be Blackburn and their demands, with prices being quoted up to £20million for Dack, but you would think a solid bid of between £10-15million would get the ball rolling and force Rovers to consider an exit.
Getting such a move over the line would be a serious coup for the Magpies, who are in desperate need of some creativity behind the strikers if they are to avoid relegation this season.