Newcastle United

Newcastle United: John Gibson claims he has been warned over possible Anthony Martial link

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Image for Newcastle United: John Gibson claims he has been warned over possible Anthony Martial link

Newcastle United journalist John Gibson has been discussing Anthony Martial and his concerns over a potential swoop by Eddie Howe’s men.

Recent reports have linked Martial – who has been an outcast at Old Trafford this season, starting just four games so far – with a move to Tyneside. The Sun has claimed that Newcastle were willing to “pay a hefty loan fee of around £6million to tempt the Manchester United striker to St. James’ Park.”

Newcastle are certainly struggling when it comes to goals so far this season, averaging just one goal a game, and with 56 goals to his name in the English top flight, it’s obvious to see why they might want to bring Martial on board.

Speaking on the latest edition of NUFC Matters, Gibson revealed details of a conversation he had with a scout, and it didn’t offer the most flattering verdict when it came to the Frenchman and how he could help the club try to stay in the Premier League.

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He said: “Funnily enough on Martial – and we know what Roy Keane said – a scout I am very close to, who has no axe to grind at Newcastle, the minute he read [the rumours], he gave me a phone call and said, ‘Gibbo, whatever you do, don’t touch him, because he hasn’t got the stomach for a relegation fight. If you’re mid-table or above, he might be able to turn on the skills and do a little bit for you and, look, okay, say at Leicester City or whatever. But in the Newcastle blood and thunder, roll the sleeves up above the armpits, he will not do that for you’.

TIF Thoughts on John Gibson’s comments about Anthony Martial and Newcastle United…

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The comments that Gibson touches on are those from Roy Keane, who blasted the 26-year-old for one of his recent performances for Manchester United.

A lack of effort is something that Martial has been accused of in the past, so you can understand why his reputation might be something that can be held against him when it comes to Newcastle wanting to carry on their pursuit of him.

And whilst there is no doubting his talent when he can put his mind to it as his overall numbers at Manchester United show, Newcastle need more than just talent if they are to get out of their current battle against relegation, so they don’t want to be spending their money on players who aren’t going to put a shift in.

So unless they can guarantee that coming to St. James’ Park will give Martial a new lease of life, perhaps by offering him the chance to be part of their ambitious plans moving forward if they stay up, then this is a move they should probably look to avoid.

In other news: ‘Eddie Howe’s gonna have to address’ – Journalist claims NUFC ace may not have a squad number

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Freelance sports journalist & broadcaster.