Newcastle tipped to complete ‘big’ signing after Sky update
Alex McLeish has tipped Newcastle United to seal at least one marquee signing next month amid reported interest in Championship stars.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the Magpies’ strategy of targeting the best talent in the second tier as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
As reported by Sky Sports last Thursday (23 December), Newcastle are targeting the likes of Blackburn Rovers’ Ben Brereton Diaz and Sheffield United’s Sander Berge to bolster their squad.
McLeish insisted it is “positive thinking” from the Magpies, with the threat of relation looming large on Tyneside.
However, he also tipped Newcastle to seal a high-profile addition in a central position.
Discussing Newcastle potentially signing players from the Championship, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “There is a strategy behind it. It’s definitely positive thinking behind it.
“We’ve seen some young guys emerge from the Championship and excel in the Premier League.
“Those are the type of names that have definitely been on the radar in terms of potential Championship players leaving their clubs.
“They have been very consistent players. Yes, if they were to go down, that’s obviously the bad side of the coin.
“But these are guys they definitely must think about. Eddie’s got real experience of that division.
“I still think a big, key player in the team somewhere through the spine would be absolutely great for them, and I can see that happening.”
Newcastle currently sit 19th in the Premier League table.
They have suffered a series of injury blows in recent weeks, including Callum Wilson and Isaac Hayden.
In other news, a medical expert has revealed just how long Wilson could be out in crushing Newcastle United blow.