According to HITC Sport, Newcastle want to sign Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco. The Atletico Madrid star is an extremely gifted dribbler who has racked up 6 goals and 6 assists in this campaign.
The Magpies looked dead and buried under Steve Bruce. However, the appointment of Eddie Howe and the investment by the PIF of Saudi Arabia has breathed new life into St James’ Park. Relegation is now an impossibility, and the emphatic win over Arsenal was perhaps a sign of things to come. A new era may be on the horizon at the Toonside.
Carrasco is one of the names Howe may be looking at to kickstart this new period. Although it may feel like a step down to go from Atletico to Newcastle, the financial power of the new owners may lure him. A fee in the region of 60 million may suffice to secure his signature.
The presence of assistant coach Graeme Jones, who has worked with Carrasco in the international set up may be another factor in his decision. He would not be the first wide player from the Red side of Madrid Newcastle have eyed: right-back Kieran Trippier is also a common link between Carrasco and Newcastle, and can perhaps put in a good word in for his club.
Tottenham Too Interested in Carrasco
This potential move is promising, but not easy. Reports suggest that Antonio Conte’s Tottenham is also quite fond of the Belgian. With the lure of the Champions League (should they avoid defeat against Norwich).
The Lilywhites may be in a better negotiating position. Playing under Conte may be another attraction, given the Italian’s ability to elevate wide players’ game to the next level.
It will certainly be a coup and a big statement of intent if Newcastle can pull off this signing. It will not be without its challenges though. But the effort may just be worth it to fulfil the Magpie’s dreams of European football next season.
