Phillips: Newcastle ‘perfect’ for Ampadu as newspaper makes Bruce reveal
Kevin Phillips insists a move to Newcastle United could be the making of Ethan Ampadu.
The Sunderland legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest Magpies transfer reports.
On August 17th, The Express reported Newcastle are considering loan moves for Chelsea duo Ethan Ampadu and Malang Sarr.
It isn’t possible to sign two players on loan from the same club so Steve Bruce will have to choose between the defenders.
Ampadu, 20, has spent time on loan at RB Leipzig and was relegated with Sheffield United last season.
He is also an established Wales international after making 26 appearances for his country.
Phillips admits a more experienced head may be required in the Newcastle defence but admitted there’s no reason why Ampadu can’t thrive in the North East.
“I would like to see them go for someone with more experience,” Phillips told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“We all know about the pressure up there at St James’ Park, you need to be able to handle that.
“I’m not saying Ampadu can’t, he’s been at a big football club.
“But for me, I would want more experience there. There’s nothing wrong with youth, we’ve seen some talented youngsters do good jobs in recent years.
“Steve Bruce needs an experienced head in there, they need someone who can tell everyone else what to do.
“Maybe that’s the chance Ampadu needs, Newcastle could be perfect for him.”
Newcastle’s defending has been a cause of concern in the opening weeks of the season.
Bruce’s side lost 4-2 to West Ham last week and 2-0 to Aston Villa on Saturday.
In other news, Kieran Maguire hails ‘public face of Newcastle’ as triple-your-money deal confirmed for Ashley favourite.