A number of Newcastle United supporters were left underwhelmed by the latest update from Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie on the club’s transfer progress, with the Magpies targeting a left-back and midfielder but not close to any deals at the moment.
Steve Bruce’s side have seen their need to strengthen the squad amplified over the last few weeks, with the Magpies now going nine matches without a win in all competitions. Although there is little pressure on the Newcastle manager from club owner Mike Ashley at the moment, that could be ramped up if they fall into the bottom three, so some signings might be needed to prevent that from happening.
#NUFC transfer update pic.twitter.com/2gSOKfPOX4
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) January 19, 2021
The Magpies have no funds available to strengthen with permanent additions, as was reinforced by Downie’s latest update, leaving them searching for loan targets. They have been consistently linked with a move for Manchester United’s Brandon Williams and he remains a key target to improve the left-back position, but other suitors like Southampton remain firmly in the mix.
As for the midfield, there has been previously reported interest in Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, but again the 23-year-old has other potential suitors, so a move for could go down to the wire, according to Downie. It has previously been reported that West Brom is his preferred loan destination ahead of the Magpies.
With Newcastle badly struggling for goals recently, the Sky Sports journalist explained: “Will Steve Bruce begin to think ‘Maybe I don’t need a left-back so much, maybe I don’t need a central midfielder’,” adding that the manager is “resigned” to not having much money to spend.
Downie added: “Newcastle are definitely looking to add [players]. The question is will they be able to add and will they be able to get the ones that [Bruce] wants.”
Newcastle fans react to Keith Downie’s transfer update
Downie’s transfer update was shared on Twitter by @NUFC360 and understandably generated a lot of reaction from Newcastle fans.
Many feel that the Magpies are not going to improve the areas which need addressing with the players they are pursuing, while some fear that they won’t even get those potential additions over the line.
This club is so depressing. https://t.co/I7NdkYe4kw
— Aaron (@aarontwittor_) January 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/ScoutNUFC/status/1351530220780736512?s=19
We've needed a CM for 4 windows and we are not going to address it again. This club stinks.
— Dell ?? (@agbnufc_) January 19, 2021
Got the feeling of no incomings in this window
— Simon (@LittleHenryD) January 19, 2021
Such a depressing update. Why would anyone want to come to Newcastle and play the way Bruce does?
Williams will be looking at Lewis and thinking, 'You've regressed. I'm young and want to learn and play.' And will choose someone else— The Toon is Somewhat Back (@TheToonisBack) January 19, 2021
Pointless bringing anyone in while the manager is still there, total waste of time & money.
— Kevin Busby (@kevin_busby) January 19, 2021
Yes to LB. Yes to CM, no to Williams, no to Choudhury. targeting the wrong players. Either way, #bruceout
— thom (@twgp) January 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/DougDanger7/status/1351528263731060737?s=19
Predictably underwhelming.
— Veitchy (@Veitchy) January 19, 2021
