Although the Championship race is expected to go down to the wire with as many as four teams competing for the top spot now, Newcastle United seems to edge out the other three in terms of squad depth and a quality manager at the helm.
And it seems that the Magpies boss is already looking at options to beef up his squad when they gain promotion next season. According to reports, Benitez is keen on landing Chelsea starlet Dominic Solanke in the summer transfer window to add to the likes of Ayoze Perez, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dwight Gayle.
Solanke is one of Chelsea’s on-loan prospects, who have been impressive in their loan stints outside the league but are still unsure about their future with the London club. The 19-year-old forward has his contract ending this season and is reportedly willing to leave Stamford Bridge in search for a first team run.
The Chelsea boss seems quite reluctant to hold on to him anyway. Speaking of the player’s request to leave, Antonio Conte said,
“I think this is his will. This question is better to ask him. I think for a young player to stay in a great team is a great opportunity. We have to respect every decision. Obviously, I have spoken with him to try and understand his will. I repeat we must respect every decision. His contract expires in June. I wish for him and his family in the future.”
Among the number of clubs interested in him are Sunderland, Celtic, Everton, Newcastle and Liverpool. And although reports indicate that the player has decided to move to Anfield, any kind of move is yet to be made and Newcastle seems like a pretty decent option to get first-team chances which would be difficult in Liverpool.
As per his representatives, the player has demanded £50,000 to remain at the club where he made his senior debut at the age of 17. Chelsea, however, have rejected his demands and the Magpies would offer up wages of up to £35,000 a week to lure the England Under-21 striker to move to St James’ Park.
Solanke has been out on loan to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, where he has netted seven goals in 25 games. An out-and-out centre-forward. Solanke could be impactful with the likes of Gouffran, Ritchie, Shelvey and Colback behind him. However, Chelsea won’t just let one of their talents to move out on a free transfer next season. They are offering him a new deal with a view of being in a position to demand a fee when potential suitors come to them.
