Newcastle 2016 summer signing offered to English club as Benitez continues to trim squad – report

Mon 31 July 2017 13:04, UK

By Harvey Byrne

Last summer signing Grant Hanley has been offered to Championship outfit Birmingham as Rafa Benitez continues to trim his squad, according to a report.

The Chronicle have reported on their website that the Magpies want Hanley’s situiation cleared up before the Premier League campaign gets underway in under two weeks time.

This has led to the club offering the the 25-year-old Scottish centre-back to Birmingham with it said that manager Harry Redknapp is eager to bolster his defence with a player who has plenty of experience in England’s second tier.

Hanley himself meets the quota after boasting a massive 162 appearances in England’s second tier and it is said that he could now move to the Midlands if Newcastle and Birmingham can come to an agreement on a fee.

Benitez brought in Hanley in July last year from Blackburn to strengthen his own back line and the centre-back agreed a five-year deal at St. James’ Park.

However, he is now thought to be surplus to requirements after playing just 16 matches in all competitions last season.

Football Insider verdict:

Given his lack of appearances in the Championship last season, Hanley is unlikely to get much more game time in the Premier League in the next campaign and therefore Newcastle must cut their losses with the centre-back sooner rather than later. The Magpies are also well covered in the centre-back position with the addition of Florian Lejeune joining a squad that already boasts Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles and thus it is clear that Hanley’s future lies away from St. James’ Park.