Chris Waugh has offered his verdict on Pod on the Tyne about what the rest of Newcastle United’s transfer window may look like.
The Magpies are still yet to bring in a single player this summer although they do appear to be close to finalising the signing of Joe Willock on a permanent basis and will set the club back more than £20 million.
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Willock arriving may not be the end of Newcastle’s transfer business as they have previously been linked with moves for both Axel Tuanzebe and Conor Gallagher who have joined Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively, but it highlights where else Bruce is wanting to bolster his squad.
The Athletic journalist offered the latest insight into Newcastle’s planned transfer business.
“There needs to be further strengthening and what Steve Bruce still is looking for – I think he wants a minimum of another two players if possible.
“A number six is what I’m told, a sort of a combative midfielder, someone with a bit more energy, a bit of bite. I mean, essentially it sounds like Isaac Hayden, really, but that sort of a player.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s transfer business…
It has been clear all summer that Willock has been the club’s number one target but having seen two players in Tuanzebe and Gallagher choosing other clubs over Newcastle, it’s now clear what positions that Bruce wants to improve.
Somewhere the manager is not looking to improve is in the striker department as Bruce has previously questioned how many strikers he needs and Dwight Gayle’s two goals against Norwich City last week will have pleased the boss.
With reports suggesting that Rafa Benitez may look to bring in Sean Longstaff this summer, Bruce may want to bring in another midfielder alongside Willock to provide sufficient competition and cover for Jonjo Shelvey, who Bruce has claimed is paramount to the way Newcastle play.