Jamie Vardy to Newcastle, anyone?
No, this isn’t a rumour from the back pages or a murmur coming out of St James’ Park. Instead, it’s the opinion of TalkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend.
The former Republic of Ireland international spoke about the Leicester City striker recently, and discussed where the 35-year-old would be a good fit.
That’s despite the fact there appears to be no talk that he could leave the King Power Stadium this summer. Leicester fans will argue he’s a ‘good fit’ where he already is.
But Townsend believes two clubs could benefit from Vardy’s services – Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Townsend believes Vardy would be ‘terrific’ at St James’ Park
The 58-year-old spoke about Vardy on TalkSPORT on Monday evening.
“Someone like Jamie Vardy could improve so many teams, even at his age,” he said.
“He would be amazing for them (Arsenal), I think. I really do. I think he would be terrific for them. And Newcastle, again, even at his age.”
Even at 35-years-old, Vardy is one of the Premier League’s most prolific goalscorers. This season he found the net 15 times, taking his tally to 133 Premier League goals.
His numbers this season are very impressive, especially when you consider he’s had problems with injury. He only made 25 appearances in the league for the Foxes.
No chance of Jamie Vardy going to Newcastle
Townsend is right – Vardy would be ‘terrific’ in a Toon shirt. Even at 35, Vardy would be exceptional for Newcastle. He’d be exceptional for pretty much every Premier League club. That’s how good he is.
But there’s simply no way he’s coming to St James’ Park this summer. In fact, this is probably the closest he’ll be to being linked with an exit from Leicester.
Vardy surely won’t leave Brendan Rodgers’ side, who finished 8th after beating Southampton 4-1 on the final day.
Newcastle need a striker this summer, with Callum Wilson’s fitness woes proving to be a real issue.
Landing someone as prolific as Vardy would be a real statement. However, we’re more likely to get someone like Vardy than the main man himself.
Leicester will surely have no intention of selling, and the Toon owners will likely want to sign someone a lot younger. A striker who’s at least 10 years Vardy’s junior is probable.
We’ve been linked with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ivan Toney, who are also good Premier League goalscorers in their own right. They aren’t at the same level as Vardy, but not many are.
Townsend’s talk of Vardy coming to Newcastle is fanciful. He’s a signing for FIFA or Football Manager rather than reality.