Newcastle United have not managed to hold on to their bright form at the start of the season and find themselves in the relegation zone, halfway through the season. Rafa Benitez has been vocal about lack of transfer funds at the club but all that might change in the next few months.
The club could be under new ownership and the manager might finally get his say in transfers, which will help him add some quality to his lineup. A number of star players have constantly been linked with a move to Newcastle United and one player extensively linked in recent times is Manchester United outcast, Luke Shaw.
The Express claim that the Toon boss is interested in Liverpool striker Danny Ings along with the 22-year old full-back in the January transfer window. Though the rumours are based on the club being sold, is Shaw the right man for the Magpies?
A product of the Southampton academy, Shaw is one of the most talented full-backs in England at the moment but his move to Manchester United, back in 2014, has deeply dented his career. Struggling to impress current manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, Shaw has made just a start each in the Premier League and the Champions League and is unable to get into the squad, let along the first team, on a regular basis.
Known for his strength, determination and smart footballing ability, Shaw is a gifted player, whose crosses are his biggest threat. He is not too strong in the air, but his positioning inside the box is astute. With decent pace to burn, he likes to dribble on the flank but is more than capable of shutting shop at the back. His potential is one of the major reasons why Mourinho is reluctant to sell him, even now.
However, his injury history is a bit concerning for Rafa. Since coming back from a Tibia injury, that cost him a season in 2016, Shaw has missed six months of football in just over two years. But since the start of the season, where he came back from a foot injury, Shaw is yet to miss a game, which are good signs for the Magpies.
Benitez has settled with DeAndre Yedlin at right back for most league games this season but at left-back, it has been a whole other story. Javier Manquillo is supposed to be the manager’s first choice in this role but has not been able to establish himself in the first team yet. Chancel Mbemba has been given his chance along with Paul Dummett and Jesus Gamez, who have all been decent.
Manquillo lacks the balance to be successful in the top flight yet but Luke Shaw, with his experience and immense potential, could walk into the first team in this role and could solve the left-back problem at the club for years to come.
Do you think the Magpies should go all in for Shaw?
