The Daily Star recently claimed Newcastle are interested in a move for Tottenham and England left-back Danny Rose, with Steve Bruce keen to create competition and depth at what has long been a problematic position at the club.
Having completed a record-breaking deal for Brazilian striker Joelinton on Tuesday, there finally seems to be a hint of ambition coming out of Gallowgate, and if so, it is long overdue.
A move for Danny Rose would have appeared out of our range a few weeks ago, with the club stuck in limbo with a stand-off with Rafa Benitez.
But with the management position resolved – whether we agree with Rafa’s replacement or not – it is time to focus on the playing side.
An ambitious move for Rose will be difficult to pull off, as Europe’s heavyweight sides are reported to be interested too.
PSG are claimed to be the front-runners, having leapfrogged Italian champions Juventus in the pecking order for the former Sunderland loanee’s signature, according to the Sun.
While cynical fans will say it is all mouth and no trousers, others will see it as finally looking at players who can move the club forward.
Top class competition for Paul Dummett would be welcomed
Paul Dummett is our only senior left-back, and while he has overcome doubters during his early career, he could benefit from having real competition for his place.
He is a great player in the 4-4-2 formation, but as we saw last season, when the three-at-the-back tactic is employed, Matt Ritchie was used, and someone like Rose could play in that role with ease.
Some of Dummett’s best Newcastle performances have actually come as a third centre-back, and it could be that in the long-term, it is in the middle where his future lies.
For now, however, having Dummett and Rose vying for left-back is a mouth-watering prospect, if a little far-fetched to see actually happening.
The main positive is that we are now actively looking to bring players in, and it is a case of definitely better late than never.
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