FantasySports.co.uk understands that Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is to make a strong move for Liverpool striker Sheyi Ojo, with a £10 million bid lined up.
Ojo, 20, was part of the successful England Under 21 team that claimed European Championship glory this summer and has already made 13 starts for the Liverpool first team, scoring one goal. This season was expected to be his breakout season at Anfield, but reports suggest that boss Jurgen Klopp will be prepared to let him move, with Ojo likely interested in a switch to gain more playing time.
Newcastle had initially made a move to take the player on loan but that was rejected. However, Benitez is such a fan of the player that he will look to spend cash to land him permanently and bring in only his third signing of the summer, after Christian Atsu and Florian Lejeune were landed earlier this month.
That number could be four should the deal for Norwich winger Jacob Murphy be completed as expected, for a fee that will reach £12 million should Murphy complete the appearance targets set.
Newcastle fans have more hope than expectation these days and the glory seasons of the early 2000’s, where League titles were so close yet so far seem long gone. With the exception of one fifth place finish in the 2011/12 season, Newcastle United haven’t finished inside the top ten of the Premier League since the 2005/06 campaign, which was the season that Alan Shearer retired.
Such lofty heights cannot be expected at the moment at St James Park, although Toon fans will be hoping that relegation will be avoided with some comfort, as they look to re-establish themselves in the top echelon of English football.
NEWCASTLE UNITED – LAST TEN SEASONS LEAGUE FINISHES
- 2016/17 – Winners (Championship)
- 2015/16 – 18th (Premier League – relegated)
- 2014/15 – 15th (Premier League)
- 2013/14 – 10th (Premier League)
- 2012/13 – 16th (Premier League)
- 2011/12 – 5th (Premier League)
- 2010/11 – 12th (Premier League)
- 2009/10 – Winners (Championship)
- 2008/09 – 18th (Premier League – relegated)
- 2007/08 – 12th (Premier League)