Newcastle United head into the summer window with a considerable war chest to invest into the squad, in order to prevent another dismal Premier League season – as they did last season, picking up just 4 points out of the remaining 33.
As well as recruiting a new head coach, the board are rumoured to be searching for two strikers, to be sure of having enough firepower to be successful in the Premier League next season. Here are five forwards Graham Carr should consider signing for Newcastle this summer:
Patrick Bamford
The 21-year-old had an impressive season on Teeside, scoring 19 goals for Middlesbrough and narrowly missed out on promotion via the play-offs. Mourinho reportedly wants to allow Bamford out on loan for another season, this time in the Premier League. However, a move to Newcastle does look unlikely, with Bamford unwilling to work with his former-boss Steve McClaren. He became frustrated with the former England manager for persistently playing him out wide, rather than his more natural central position. Where have we heard that before?
Danny Ings
Speculation has been a constant since Sean Dyche confirmed Ings would leave Burnley on a free transfer, following their relegation from the Premier League. The Burnley striker has followed up his 10 league goals with a call up to the England U21 squad and it looks as if his future will not be settled until his international duties are finished. Spurs and Southampton have already been linked, so Newcastle would have to act fast should they want him.
Charlie Austin
Austin is another player strongly linked with a move to Tyneside, and is apparently high on Graham Carr’s summer wish-list. The 26-year-old also had an impressive season, despite being a part of the relegated QPR side, netting 18 times in 35 appearances. He is currently on international duty with the senior England team, so a decision on his future is not expected until after England’s qualifier against Slovenia.
Troy Deeney
If the club decided Emmanuel Rivière’s performance last season was not good enough and deemed his surplus to requirements, Deeney would be the ideal replacement, in my eyes. Although he is unproven in the Premier League, his unrivalled strength and blistering pace will cause teams problems week in week out next season. I do feel he has been plying his trade in a lower division for what I feel is 3 years too long. Even if he doesn’t secure a move to Newcastle, he’ll definitely prove his worth to those at Vicarage Road.
John Guidetti
The Manchester City forward’s loan spell at Celtic seems to have gone unnoticed by many, but Guidetti has stepped up and shone in a side that stormed to the Scottish League title and bowed out of Europe in dramatic fashion at the San Siro. His 15 goals in 35 appearances may have caught the attentions of Manuel Pellegrini but, with the vast amount of money at his disposal, it is unlikely Guidetti will be handed another chance. Newcastle could be willing to offer the Swedish forward a Premier League lifeline and would be able to meet his wage demands.
