Phillips: Newcastle is ‘a great move’ for Palmer after big-money forward deal agreed
Kevin Phillips has claimed a move to Newcastle United would be “great” for Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Premier League goalscorer said the Magpies are in desperate need of another striker if they are to avoid relegation this season.
According to The Athletic (23 December), City rejected a loan bid from Newcastle to take Palmer on loan for the second half of the campaign.
It comes after the Premier League champions sanctioned the £55million exit of Ferran Torres to Barcelona.
Eddie Howe’s side are open to bringing in more firepower in the January window.
However, a Newcastle source has told Football Insider the club will not pursue a move for unsettled Man United striker Anthony Martial.
Phillips is adamant another striker is needed at St. James’ Park.
“They need another striker, 100 per cent,” he told Football Insider.
“To have any chance of staying up you need to score goals. I know Callum Wilson is a class player but he is injury prone. If they lose him, who is going to step up and score goals? It is a no-brainer to bring in a striker.
“They need two centre-halves and a midfielder as well. A goalscorer is needed if they have any chance of staying up. Even playing someone alongside Callum Wilson would make sense.
“I’m surprised Man City won’t let Palmer join on loan because I think it’d be a great move for him. He’d play.”
In other news, a pundit has issued an intriguing Ashworth claim after update on Newcastle talks.