Newcastle have recently been linked with a move for Augsburg left-back Philipp Max, according to the Chronicle, as they look to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.
The defender would command a fee of around £18 million, and would undoubtedly be a quality addition to our defence.
But there are a number of factors that make a deal for the player look unlikely, and it would be something of a surprise to see him wearing a Newcastle shirt next season.
The £18m fee is a hefty one
Having just spent £40m on Joelinton – even if it is likely to be in installments to offset such a huge outlay from the current budget in one go – and likely to be spending around £20m on Allan Saint-Maximin, whether they would spend such a large amount on a left-back is questionable.
Although bringing in competition at full-back has been a problem for a long time, it seems a big fee to pay when Paul Dummett is already in the position, not forgetting Matt Ritchie playing wing-back when that formation is utilised.
Of course, Bruce may have other ideas, and I have long-said that Dummett’s long-term future will be as a centre-back, where he looks even more accomplished than on the flank.
Big guns are also interested
Newcastle’s interest may be genuine, but they are not thought to be the only club looking at the player.
A report from Sport website in Spain claims both Barcelona and Liverpool are considering a move for Max.
If the interest from either of the huge clubs is solid, any move Newcastle make could be used by the player’s agents to smoke out a bid from one of those two.
Although he would be likely to get more game time at the likes of Newcastle, than either of the other clubs, if it came down to a choice between them and us, there is only ever going to be a one in a million chance of him ending up on Tyneside.
Full-back cover must be continue to be sought
It may not be a player in the class of Max that ends up at Newcastle, but defensive depth on both sides of the pitch is definitely needed.
We have not had serious competition at full-back for a long time, and having to play well to keep your spot is the only way to get the best out of the players currently occupying the role week in, week out.
One of the decisions the club must be ruing now, is not having more faith in youngster Kevin Mbabu a few years ago.
But that is in the past, and looking forward, reinforcements at full-back must be seen as a priority.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
