Newcastle choose top target to provide new attacking dimension as Man City face competition for top-half Prem star
Newcastle United are looking at someone else currently in the top half of the Premier League as a priority target for one of the roles they want to strengthen in the summer, according to a report.
Despite all the wealth behind them, Newcastle have generally been quite rational in the transfer market in recent years. They have carefully added to their squad, allowing head coach Eddie Howe to lift them up the table.
This season, Newcastle are fourth in the table after 22 matches, which represents significant progress. If they can stay there, they would qualify for the Champions League.
Therefore, there should be some excitement about the kind of players they could attract in the summer. In that regard, one position they want to reinforce is left-back.
That’s according to Football Insider, which claims Newcastle want a more attacking option there after using the likes of Dan Burn and Matt Targett so far.
And the report suggests their top target at left-back is Antonee Robinson, who has been enjoying a good season himself for Fulham.
Robinson has played 20 times in the Premier League this season, becoming an important player for a side sitting in seventh place at present. Despite failing to provide a goal or assist so far, he is judged to be a more attacking option at full-back than what Newcastle already have on the left-hand side.
Therefore, the Magpies have made him one of their top targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle rival Man City for defender
In the process, they have joined Manchester City in showing an interest in the USMNT player. The reigning Premier League champions have already been looking into a deal for Robinson. After their January business, they need a replacement for Joao Cancelo at left-back.
They look even more likely than Newcastle to be able to offer Champions League football next season. After all, they have finally usurped Arsenal at the top of the table, even if their title rivals have a game in hand still.
Further afield, there is interest in Robinson from Serie A rivals Inter and AC Milan, according to the report.
At the age of 25, Robinson is reportedly keen to step up to Champions League level if an appropriate offer arises. Previous reports have suggested Fulham will be holding out for a transfer fee of around £35million.
Having made 90 appearances for the club to date, Robinson is under contract at Craven Cottage until the end of next season only.
Therefore, Fulham might have to sell the former Wigan Athletic star in the summer if he isn’t going to renew his contract. Where he ends up will be interesting to see.
Robinson ready to step up
If he does join Newcastle, he might need to increase the number of goal contributions he makes. After all, they want him for his attacking traits.
Neither Burn nor Targett have contributed to goal in the Premier League this season, which is the same as Robinson. Perhaps with more effective players around them, though, any of them could improve.
And Newcastle are aiming to construct a competitive squad over time. Hence, this might be another piece of the puzzle in the bigger picture, theoretically.
Robinson has many years ahead of him in his career. It will be interesting to see what kind of player he becomes if he ends up at a higher-ranking club.
