As Sunderland’s Josh Maja’s contract saga continues to rumble on, Newcastle should quickly swoop.
The striker has impressed for the Black Cats this term in League One, but has decided against extending his current deal.
High alert
The announcement not to sign a new deal has alerted a number of clubs in the higher divisions, including the Magpies according to the Sun. Rafael Benitez’s men were first linked with the £5 million-rated youngster last year and the Spaniard should look to the striker as he tries to bolster his squad.
While the Daily Star believe Huddersfield currently lead the chase for his signature, the short trip to Tyneside could best suit the player.
With 14 League One goals to his name this season, Maja could bring a new dimension to United’s attack.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Goals are something that Newcastle have struggled to come by this term. Fans once again turned on Joselu following the 1-1 draw against Blackburn in the FA Cup and the Toon Army are desperate for more firepower to be added to the squad.
Signing youngsters isn’t likely to win the fans round, Jacob Murphy being a prime example. However, a punt on Maja could help the Magpies beat the drop. Can the struggling Magpies afford to let another promising youngster slip by? After all, the last £5 million-rated youngster they tried and failed to sign was Dele Alli.
Signing a player from Sunderland wouldn’t be an issue, Newcastle have signed loads of ex-Mackems recently. Hopefully Maja would be more like Ki Sung-yueng than Javi Manquillo…
At £5million he could be deemed too pricey for Mike Ashley, because anything more than nothing is too much.
