‘Stranger things have happened’ - The verdict on the latest players linked with Newcastle United

Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin take a look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding Newcastle United- and provide their verdict.
Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Scrap yourself in Newcastle United fans and get ready for four weeks of twists, turns and an endless amount of transfer rumours.

As part of a new way of cutting through the constant speculation, NewcastleWorld’s very own Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin will provide their verdict on the latest players to be linked with a move to St James’ Park.

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Without further ado, let’s discuss the newest names on the agenda:

Kieran Trippier - Atletico Madrid

LK: “At this stage it feels like a case of when, not if, when it comes to the former Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur full-back. Provided the fee gets sorted - and that’s the tough bit - Trippier will head to Tyneside this window.”

JC: “This is more likely to happen than not. There is confidence Trippier will become a Newcastle United player, hopefully in time for the game against Watford on January 15th. There’s still a lot to do in order to complete the deal however.”

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang - Arsenal

LK: “Shelve this one in the very unlikely category for now. Despite being a top class Premier League striker, the Gabon international feels very much like damaged goods at the moment. His record is exactly what United need, but the baggage that comes with it, probably less so.”

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JC: “I think this would make a lot of sense but at the moment, it’s unlikely. Aubameyang is jetting off to the African Cup of Nations, and I’m guessing when he returns he’ll have some making up to do with Arsenal. With Callum Wilson out, Newcastle can’t wait too long.”

Ben Brereton Diaz - Blackburn Rovers

LK: “Is a player who Newcastle’s transfer team have been monitoring since his days with Nottingham Forest. Has only recently hit the heights expected of him from a young age. Would be a big risk but was on the radar when Jarrod Bowen was being eyed by Steve Bruce in the summer of 2019, as United looked to the Championship for recruits in case they didn’t get the Allan Saint-Maximin deal over the line.”

JC: “The player’s rise over the last 12 months or has been pretty unique - representing Chile and firing 20 goals in the Championship by the midway point this season. A previous target, which makes this link slightly more intriguing, however you’d presume other players feature higher up the list.”

Julian Alvarez - River Plate

LK: “Sounds like Manchester United are the team leading the chase for this livewire Argentine striker.”

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JC: “Alvarez has been linked with most of the top teams in Europe, which suggests he’s destined for bigger and better things at this stage. An exciting talent no doubt, but it’s hard to see how a relegation-threatened Newcastle could pull this one off.”

Dominic Solanke - Bournemouth

LK: “Look, stranger things have happened. And we know Eddie Howe is a fan of the player, having signed him previously. But things don’t seem to add up on this one, unless the Magpies got very desperate. United would massively have to overpay for a striker who has proven himself to be little more than mediocre in the top flight.”

JC: “An easy link to create given Howe signed the player for £17million in 2019. Because the pair have worked together before, it’s hard to completely rule it out but I don’t think signing Solanke would make much sense. Bournemouth would demand a hefty fee for a striker who is yet to prove himself at the top level.” ]