Newcastle’s takeover has thrown up seemingly transfer gossip during the international break.
One of the latest players to be linked with a move to the Magpies is Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Where has this report come from?
The report is by 90Min, who say that Matic was offered to Newcastle in the summer, obviously pre-takeover.
Now Newcastle have the money and he is apparently a potential option again.
Matic’s United teammates Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard are also mentioned, but they have both been linked with Newcastle before.
Until Newcastle appoint a new manager and director of football, it’s just speculation.
The Athletic have also reported that every major decision will have to go back to Saudi, which slows the process too.
What is Matic’s situation?
Matic is not currently a regular at Old Trafford despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s continued search for a midfield balance and an anchorman.
He has a contract until June 2023, but his age – he is now 33 – means he should not cost too much.
If it is true that Matic was offered to Newcastle in the summer, United would likely be willing to do a deal.
How good is Matic?
Matic has had a great career and won the Premier League twice with Chelsea.
The big question mark over him now is his legs. He looks slow and sluggish when he plays these days.
That would not lend itself well if Newcastle want to appoint a manager who plays quick, attacking football.
But Matic is an experienced campaigner, a winner and a good professional who was described as ‘outstanding’ by Pep Guardiola after a Manchester derby in January 2020. Newcastle may decide they could use his qualities.
Where would he fit into Newcastle’s plans?
Last week, it was reported that the centre of midfield was one of five positions Newcastle’s new owners want to improve.
Newcastle’s engine room needed sorting during the summer but it did not get done.
Matic is not the forc ehe was in his prime and Newcastle will need to be wary of taking unwanted players from other Premier League teams.
It is worth repeating; until Newcastle appoint a new manager and director of football, any transfer talk is likely just speculation.
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