In a number of reports coming out over the past couple of days, Newcastle United are being linked with a move for a handful of different wingers. It remains to be seen how much truth their are in these rumours, however bringing in another wide man could help Steve Bruce unlock his Newcastle United team.
Currently the there are two players that have been linked with a move to Tyneside, the first is young Burnley star Dwight McNeil. The 20-year old Englishman has been singled out as a star for the future by a number of pundits and fans, with a range of teams clamouring to get their hands on him. It is rumoured that Newcastle will not be the only team interested in securing his signature, with Crystal Palace and Spurs both contemplating launching a bid.
McNeil has made a solid impression on the Premier League so far this season, with 17 appearances in which he has scored one goal and provided four assists. While McNeil’s preference for pay on the left wing would mean that Allan Saint-Maximin would need to continue playing on the right hand side of midfield, it would allow Miguel Almiron to resume playing in a more central role, which is where he has most experience and has proven to play his best football.
Newcastle need more pace out wide
The second winger that United have been linked with seems to be a much more likely deal. Stephane Diarra plays for Ligue 2 side Le Mans and has been scouted by Newcastle on a number of occasions this season. The 21 year old has also been linked with Celtic and has been compared to Saint-Maximin, recently commenting on the proposed move in an interview with Goal:
“I’m still young and for me, the important thing is to play, my goal is to play as many games as possible but it is good to know that several clubs are following me. Will I leave Le Mans this winter? I don’t know. I need to stay focussed on my season but I’ll watch what is going on and see what happens. For me, I know I still have to progress in a lot of areas but particularly on my efficiency and that’s the biggest thing for me.”
The signing of Diarra could be a massive help for Newcastle. As well as providing some much needed depth on the wings (an issue that is currently coming to the fore with injuries to ASM and Almiron) but the youngster is also a natural right winger, meaning it frees up both Saint-Maximin and Almiron to play in their preferred positions.
It remains to be seen whether or not either of these players will make the switch to Newcastle, it has been reported that Burnley aren’t interested in listening to offers for McNeil in January, so if a move is going to be made for him it likely won’t be until the summer.
It is the hope of both fans and the higher ups at the club that bringing in another wide man can help bring the best out of the misfiring summer signings.
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