‘Time has found United out’ – Macdonald delivers verdict on Newcastle transfer activity
By Aramide Oladipo
Newcastle United legend Malcolm Macdonald believes that the club still need to bring in new faces before the start of the Premier League season.
The Magpies return to Premier League action with a match at St James’ Park against Tottenham next Sunday afternoon.
Throughout the summer, the Tyneside club have been linked with numerous players but they have failed to get them over the line.
Writing in his column for the Chronicle, Macdonald expresses his sympathy for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez in the current window but he urges the club to sign another striker before next weekend’s opening league fixture.
“Look at what the two Manchester clubs have been paying this summer and look at how Rafa Benitez has had to scratch around trying desperately to get a striker in on the cheap,” he said.
“He cannot pay the fees most centre-forwards demand nor the wages.
“He’s even been trying to solve the problem with loan deals.
“He needs a centre-forward very badly yet next weekend he’s in full battle against the might of Spurs.
“Time has found United out. We can only hope a big, big break is round the corner.”
The Magpies are currently still in the market for a striker as the Chronicle recently reported that the club have weighed up a summer move for wantaway Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.
Newcastle have managed to complete five signings this summer but none of the players are natural out-and-out centre forwards.
Important players such as Dwight Gayle and Ayoze Perez have remained at the club throughout the summer and they will be responsible for finding the back of the net next season.
Both forwards scored a combined total of 35 goals in all competitions last season as they achieved promotion straight back to the top flight as champions of the division.
In other Newcastle news, this Championship hitman would push the Toon to Premier League survival next season.
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