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Another day another couple of transfer rumors involving Newcastle! Yesterday we covered a supposed £30 million bid for Jamalle Lascelles from Everton that seemed unlikely to come to fruition. Let’s look at some others that may have flown under the radar.
Transfers Out
Florian Lejeune
According to the Chronicle, our other center back is being linked to a move away from Newcastle. This time the destination is Sevilla, where Lejeune’s former manager in the 2015/2016 campaign has landed a job. Although Pablo Machin may be targeting Lejeune, it seems unlikely that Benitez will allow a move away from the Toon as the Frenchman was Rafa’s primary signing last summer. This rumor is unlikely to happen.
Henri Saivet
Reports have made it clear that Saivet is wanted by a few Turkish sides on a loan deal. It would seem that Benitez would like to offload him permanently but so far that may not be realistic. Saivet has not made many appearances with the Toon, only 5 since 2016, but managed to score a beautiful free kick goal against West Ham this past December.
Mikel Merino
It was a tale of two seasons for Mikel Merino. At the beginning, Merino had seemed to be a revelation and a steal from Borossia Dortmund. The 21-year-old played fantastically when Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame were not quite in their best form. But not so soon after his loan deal was made permanent, Merino’s form and playing time dropped significantly. The lack of playing time shouldn’t fall completely on the Spaniard’s shoulders as Diame’s game picked up drastically and Shelvey’s remaining strong. So what is in store for Mikel Merino? Well according to reports, Merino is being eyed by La Liga sides Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad. Benitez and Merino seem to have mutual feelings in the midfielder staying in England with Merino saying, “I’ll try to improve myself, I’ll try to play more minutes, to be an important part of the team and an important player.”
Transfers In
Jack Wilshere
The 26-year-old started off this summer being left out of England’s World Cup squad after being a part of the 2014 squad that was eliminated in the group stage. In the near future, Wilshere’s contract with Arsenal will expire, ending his involvement with the club since joining their youth program in 2001. Due to the fact Wilshere’s contract is expiring, a club will be able to acquire him on a free-transfer. But Newcastle is not the only club pursuing the English international. West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Everton are also possible destination spots for Wilshere, with West Ham being the most likely.
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Quincy Promes
A winger from the Russian Premier League’s Spartak Moscow has apparently been scouted by Benitez since he arrived in 2016. The Daily Echo reports that a few other Premier League clubs have been inquiring over the Dutch international after he had scored 15 goals in Russia this past season. Newcastle will have to compete with Everton and Southampton to land the 26-year-old.
Abel Hernandez
Newcastle has been linked with the Hull City forward before. This time, Hernandez could be inked on free transfer. The 27-year-old was able to net 8 goals in only 10 games in the Championship and Newcastle could use depth at the forward position. The Toon are not the only team pursuing Hernandez so quick action would be needed.
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What do you guys think? Did I leave anyone off the list that you are interest in? Let me know!