Exclusive: Newcastle star tipped to be replaced amid Sky takeover update
Michael Brown has tipped the prospective new owners at Newcastle United to sign a new striker to replace Joelinton.
The former Premier League midfielder, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the attacking talents have struggled due to the lack of “flowing” football under Steve Bruce this season.
Newcastle’s forwards have failed to score regularly this season and record-signing Joelinton has just one Premier League goal under his belt to date despite starting most weeks.
Sky Sports report that PCP Capital Partners are in the final stages of completing a takeover at St James’ Park and ending Mike Ashley’s 13 years in charge on Tyneside.
With the transfer market likely to be a priority for the new owners, Brown believes that the Magpies need players who can bring an attack-minded brand of football to the club.
Brown told Football Insider: “As individuals, I wouldn’t say they’re the most blessed in the Premier League with regards with what they’ve got to work with.
“The front three; Almiron, Joelinton, Andy Carroll – who’s not played – there’s a lot being asked with regards to their output and what they’ve been doing. I don’t think we’ve seen the true quality in them because of the style of play.
“There’s some players there. Do they need some more quality to go and be a little bit more flowing? I would say yes. I think the squad, they’ve done exceptionally well but they need more quality going forward to come out and change that style of play.
“At the top of the pitch, will they need a new striker? Yes, they probably will. All through the pitch at Newcastle United, I think that’ll be what their recruitment drive will be.”
Newcastle are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League this season with just 25 goals from 29 games.
Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has scored five of those league goals, while no other player has netted more than two.
In other Newcastle United news, Paul Robinson claims just two first-team stars are safe from being axed this summer if new owners come in.