Newcastle United have now set their sights on a “ridiculously talented” former Norwich star, and there are signs a January deal could be possible.
Things clearly need to change, with Matthias Jaissle’s side being booed off after their last match at St. James’ Park, a 1-0 defeat against Everton, and Jamie Carragher subsequently suggested there could be some difficult times ahead.
|
Match statistics |
Newcastle |
Everton |
|
Shots |
17 |
16 |
|
Shots on target |
2 |
5 |
|
xG |
1.29 |
2.34 |
|
Big chances |
2 |
4 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
28 |
30 |
The Sky Sports pundit said: “It is going to be a tough season for them. I felt tonight [Monday] was actually more important for Newcastle than the cup game [Carabao Cup loss at Everton last week], and it was the other way round for Everton, who are desperate for a trophy.
“But I fear a little bit for Newcastle, it could be a long, tough season. Watching them of late, especially at home, it feels flat and a little bit boring, and that was one thing I didn’t think I’d ever be describing Jaissle’s Newcastle as.”
Understandably, Jaissle is already under pressure, and there have been suggestions the magpies could make an early managerial change, with former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna among the contenders for the job.
However, the players also need to take their share of the blame, and having underperformed this season, new additions are being targeted ahead of the January transfer window, with a midfielder recently emerging as an option.
Newcastle eyeing move for Gabriel Sara
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle have now emerged as potential suitors for Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara, and the Turkish side would be willing to listen to offers of around £33m for the Brazilian this winter.
As such, a deal could be on the cards, but the Tynesiders aren’t the only English side in the race for Sara’s signature, with Aston Villa and Everton eyeing moves of their own.
A bid of around £25m could be enough to get a deal done, which seems like a reasonable fee, given that the 27-year-old has been a key player for a Galatasaray side that have won two league titles in a row since he arrived from Norwich.
The one-cap Brazil international, who is keen on a Premier League move, has ten goals and 21 assists to his name in 102 outings across all competitions, and he received very high praise from scout Ben Mattinson during his time in the Championship too.
Back in the summer, Newcastle signed Nico Gonzalez, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba to improve their midfield, but the latter two players are still very inexperienced at just 18 and 20 respectively.
Bamba, in particular, has found it difficult to force his way into Jaissle’s plans, appearing for just 27 minutes across three appearances in the Premier League.
As such, it may be a smart move to sign a midfielder with more experience during the January window, and Sara’s performances in Turkey indicate he could be a solid option.
