Leeds United are very close to confirming the signing of Abel Hernandez from Hull City on a free transfer. The Uruguayan has run out of a contract with the Tigers and was being wooed by a number of English and other European clubs. However, reports claim that Andrea Radrizzani has convinced the centre-forward in signing with Leeds.
Out of all the interested sides, the one Premier League club who would definitely have enjoyed having the striker in their side would have been Newcastle United. Rafael Benitez was distraught to see his January loan signing, Islam Slimani show up at St James’ Park and completely drop to an abhorring low.
The Algerian mostly was troubled with injury which kept him out of majority of the action. However, on the few games that he was given a shot, the 29-year-old ended up getting suspended for aggressively kicking out at Craig Dawson in a league game.
With Dwight Gayle managing only 5 goals last season, Benitez has to find a starting number nine who will be able to deliver on a consistent basis. Gayle does contribute to the team on varying aspects but somehow cannot be absconded from judgement.
United’s winning run towards the end of the 2017/18 season placed them 10th in the league, a feat no one thought they were capable of earlier in the campaign. Benitez’s defensive setup worked wonders to grind out results against top oppositions.
The similar feat will be hard to achieve without reinforcements in the summer window. Since Hernandez is no longer available to them, here are a few players the Spanish boss should look into.
Salomon Rondon
Another South American who is being sought out by a host of European sides. The West Brom centre-forward knows a thing or two about scoring goals and is currently tied to the relegated outfit for another 12 months.
Albion are ready to offload him but only for the right price. He has a keen eye for goal and can bully defenders while on the ball.
Tammy Abraham
The Chelsea starlet has done well for Swansea City this past season with 8 goals and 5 assists in 39 appearances. He is unlikely to have a spot in the Blues first team with Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud already in the side.
Read More: Everton Interested In £30m Newcastle United Ace Defender: Why Silva Needs To Get It Done!
Javier Hernandez
Tensions are high between the player and West Ham United as he revealed earlier that his future will be decided after the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Maybe Newcastle will be able to make a swoop now.
