Newcastle have once again found themselves linked with a move for Manchester United misfit Luke Shaw – but do the Magpies really need a player like him?
Back in 2014, Shaw was one of the most coveted teenagers on the planet and this was reflected by the £30 million outlay Manchester United spent to prize him from the conveyor belt of talent at Southampton.
Since then however, Shaw has fallen victim to a horror leg injury, but even more troubling, a seeming lack of desire and professionalism. Jose Mourinho is not the first manager to call into question Shaw’s motivation and drive for the game – with predecessor Louis van Gaal having reservations about his fitness, and even Mauricio Pochettino querying his willingness to ‘make sacrifices’.
On the face of it, signing a player who was once earmarked for international stardom might seem like a coup for a club of Newcastle’s ilk, but the last thing Rafa Benitez needs at this club is a player unwilling pull his weight in training and with a refusal to curb a supposed less than regimented lifestyle.
Paul Dummett may not have a fraction of Shaw’s technique or natural talent, but his determination and willingness to battle for the badge has seen him sway even his severest detractors this season.
Big wages thrown in the face of players with more hunger for their bank accounts than their medal collection were supposed to be a thing of the past at St. James’ Park.