Loan bid rejected: Newcastle must steal in and sign 55-time international from PL rivals
COMMENT By Will Butcher
Newcastle should take advantage of Toulouse's rejected bid to sign Bournemouth ace Max Gradel and lure him to St. James' Park.
Sky Sports Transfer Centre (Wednesday, 5.24pm) claimed that Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse had a loan bid rejected for the 29-year-old winger, who has endured a difficult time at Bournemouth.
It is said that Bournemouth value the 55-time Ivory Coast international as a valuable first-team player ahead of the next campaign, and he has featured regularly in their pre-season.
But after a torrid time with injury and only 13 league and cup appearances last season, Gradel could be looking for a way out and Newcastle could give him that.
Football Insider believes the former Leeds attacker could be a crucial signing for the Toon in their fight against an instant return to the Championship.
Here are three reasons why, including how Gradel could add something different to the Newcastle squad:
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Lack of width
Although the Toon have just confirmed the signing of Jacob Murphy from Norwich for £12million, they are still largely lacking in width.
Now, Benitez has just Murphy, Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie to choose from with Sammy Ameobi joining Bolton, and if one gets injured then he will be left to his bare bones.
Signing one more winger would help bolster his options and soften the blow if an injury is sustained, but bringing in quality is also important. Step forward, Gradel.
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Loan preserves budget
If the Toon can go one better than Toulouse and convince Bournemouth that sending Gradel to St. James' Park on loan is beneficial for both parties, then they will be securing an important deal.
Not only will it give themselves a proven Premier League performer, but it will also be saving money that Benitez can reinvest elsewhere.
Newcastle have already spent almost £30million on three players, and preserving his remaining cash while still being able to strengthen in his squad with a player like Gradel is crucial to his summer activity.
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Something different
Gradel's unwavering work rate and explosive dribbling speed gives Newcastle something different to the squad, adding an eye for goal that Atsu has struggled to provide as of yet.
Atsu managed just five goals last season, but Gradel has a tally of 67 goals in 274 league and cup matches throughout his career and that tally of one in four could be vital in keeping the Toon afloat.
That eye for goal will give the Toon something different next season.
In other Newcastle transfer news, Benitez should steal in and sign this La Liga striker reportedly earning £100,000 a week.
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