da blaze casino： The mutterings of discontent around Newcastle are growing louder (again).
da casino： Even after several encouraging performances and their first win of the season, when they hammered Norwich 6-2, one still does not get the feeling that all was well on Tyneside. This was confirmed by another miserable derby day against arch-rivals Sunderland, when they lost 3-0 having produced a performance that on plenty of other days could have seen the score reversed.
A forgettable 0-0 draw against Stoke did little to raise spirits thereafter around St James’ Park, and the consensus at the moment seems to be that the current squad is simply not good enough. With plenty of foreign imports being brought in over the last few years, the suspicion amongst some fans is that they lack the necessary Premier League experience and do not have proven credentials at this level.
With that in mind, here are a few players who Steve McClaren might be inclined to look at over the January transfer window…..
CHARLIE AUSTIN
A fairly obvious one. Austin was reputedly wanted by at least four Premier League clubs as the summer transfer window drew to a close, but for reasons unknown decided to stay put at Loftus Road. If that was down to thinking that his goals would send QPR soaring into a promotion spot, he was mistaken as Rangers lie 13th currently, with only two wins in their last 10 games. Fast, powerful, adept at scoring goals from all areas and a man who gets involved in build-up play more often than you’d think, Austin would surely be happy to move to a Premier League club this time, and Newcastle would dearly love another proven goalscorer in their ranks.
LEWIS DUNK
Heavily linked with Newcastle in the summer, the gangly, but elegant, Brighton central defender has this year been part of a backline that has been resolute and extremely well-organised. A standout performer for the Seagulls last year as well, Dunk could help to tighten up a defence that has been alarmingly leaky this season, looking all at sea in some games. He would presumably jump at the chance to move up a league, and although he might cost a fair bit, it would be a worthwhile investment for a player who could be at the heart of Newcastles back line for many years to come.
CHRIS MARTIN
Another proven goalscorer in the Championship who would relish the chance to ply his trade at a higher level, Martin has been one of the second tier’s most feared strikers for a few years now. An accomplished finisher, the Scotland international can score all sorts of goals; headers, tap ins, hits from outside the area, you name it. He is also extremely adept at hold up play, which is a role he is beginning to be utilised for with the national team. Definitely would not a cheap signing, but would doubtless return the investment with plenty of goals at this level.
JOHN OBI MIKEL
Hear me out with this one. Newcastle this season have looked as if their midfielders cannot offer their defence adequate protection, resulting in a goals against column that McClaren will not be happy with at all. Mikel may be slightly one-dimensional, but that may just be the dimension that Newcastle need at the moment. A capable sitting midfielder who can protect the back four by breaking up play, tackling and intercepting, as well as providing a vital link between defence and midfield, Mikel could be just the sort of player that the Toon need. Since he’s currently a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge, there’s always the chance that Mourinho would be happy to let him go, perhaps on loan.
TOM HUDDLESTONE
Another midfielder, but of a completely different ilk, Huddlestone is an extremely technically accomplished ball player who can dictate the tempo of an entire game. He can score goals, hit long range passes and run the game, and is considered to be too much of a talent to be currently playing at Championship level for Hull City. While they are currently front-runners in the second tier, one gets the impression that Huddleston would be only too happy to get the chance to move to a big Premier League club, which Newcastle certainly are. He would be ideal as a playmaker for them, adding a bit more guile to a side that has seemed somewhat short of that this season.