Newcastle United transfer window analysis: The striker eyed, the winger uncertainty, the defensive strengthening

The transfer window itself runs into October, but the Magpies are light on numbers – and Steve Bruce is desperate for reinforcements.

Here writer Liam Kennedy takes a look at Bruce’s key transfer battlegrounds, as Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson talk ramps up.

Striker – the need for goals… and options

Newcastle United’s main priority this summer was to add a striker – and they’re yet to do so.

Dwight Gayle’s injury – and Joelinton’s unexplained absences (as well as his lack of goals) – has heightened that need.

Callum Wilson, according to various reports, is the player United have their targets set on. The England frontman has been on United’s scouting radar since the first summer after promotion, when Rafa Benitez wanted to snap him up.

Ollie Watkins interest has cooled in recent weeks, while Joshua King will head to a club in European contention. Another summer target Patrik Schick is on the verge of sealing a move to Bayer Leverkusen – when the Kai Havertz cash lands – in a deal worth a reported £25 million plus add ons.

Andy Carroll could well still lead the line against former club West Ham next weekend.

Winger – the swap deal and the reluctant free agent

Ryan Fraser is a player Newcastle have been interested in since January 2019. They tried to tie him down to a pre-contract earlier in 2020 but the player had eyes on a move to Tottenham Hotspur or Arsenal.

A move to Crystal Palace did not materialise and West Ham’s interest has seemingly also cooled. According to the Telegraph, Bruce believes he has agreed personal terms with the player and is simply waiting on a signature.

Matt Ritchie has been mentioned as a makeweight in any Wilson deal and could be allowed to leave, if the Magpies can strengthen elsewhere and add fellow Scotland international Fraser.

Defenders – left, right and centre

In an ideal world United would add players in all three positions with contracts running down, but it looks as though the left and the centre will be prioritised this summer.

Danny Rose remains on the agenda, so too does Jetro Willems, although the latter is still some way off full fitness following seven months out with a knee injury.

On the left it seems Greek international and PAOK defender Dimitris Giannoulis is the favoured, cut-price option. Sassuolo’s Rogerio a little more expensive, but with a little extra quality.

In the centre it’s either Arsenal defender Rob Holding on loan, with Rob Dickie was a back-up option, although QPR bagged the player in the meantime, and the door opened to Florian Lejeune and injured Fabian Schar.

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