Newcastle United are on the verge of earning an immediate ticket back to the Premier League after having failed to impose any sort of significant footing in the top flight last time around.
The credit for their resurrection should be given the most to their gaffer, Rafael Benitez, who has left no stone unturned to ensure that the Geordies not only get an automatic qualification ticket but also clinch the Championship silverware.
With a promotion on the cards, Benitez knows that he would need to bolster his ranks and inject quality into his troops as well. The midfield will be one of the key areas of concern owing to the fact that Yoan Gouffran’s contract with Newcastle United expires in the summer and Christian Atsu is to be called back by Premier League giants, Chelsea, at the end of the season.
Reportedly, one of the big names the Magpies have been linked to lately is Burnley’s proven gladiator, Scott Arfield.
Burnley have used Arfield on the left wing more often this season, precisely the slot the Magpies would want him to move into. In 26 appearances for the Clarets so far this term, the Canadian international has scored 1 goal, created 26 chances as well but it has to be underlined that his form has diluted a bit this time around.
Nonetheless, he is a fine player who can be effective whilst playing through the central midfield as well as on the right wing and would hand Benitez an extremely versatile option as well.
Having emerged from the ranks of Falkirk, Arfield has garnered plenty of experience through his spells with Falkirk senior side, Huddersfield Town and Burnley, which implies that Newcastle United would be laying their hands on a proven veteran.
Under the tutelage of Sean Dyche, Burnley have solidified their position in the Premier League and are way ahead of the teams who are in the relegation zone as well. Thus, moving for a player with top-flight experience should come in handy as well.
The 28-year-old’s contract, confining him to Turf Moor, expires in the summer and the summer transfer window would be an ideal time for the Toons to launch a bid to lure him to St. James’ Park.
The former Real Madrid boss would be very keen to consolidate their position as a firm Premier League outfit with galvanising aspirations and having someone like Arfield in their ranks would definitely help.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.com
