Newcastle United fans have been reacting to speculation linking the club with a potential transfer for Steve Cook.
The Sun claimed on Saturday night that Eddie Howe could turn to the Bournemouth defender in January.
Supposedly he could be an alternative to James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.
Newcastle have recently been linked with both Burnley centre-backs.
Both are out of contract next summer.
It is possible Burnley will see more value in keeping both until then, especially if neither are going to extend.
Selling one or both mid-season might be quite unlikely. Therefore Cherries star Cook is now being linked.
Howe obviously knows Cook very well having managed him for many years at the Vitality Stadium.
Cook has been with Bournemouth since 2012, and spent five years in the Premier League before the club’s relegation in 2020. He made 168 appearances in the competition.
Newcastle fans react to Steve Cook transfer links
On social media, some Newcastle fans have been giving their reactions to the transfer links to Steve Cook.
The general consensus, perhaps unsurprisingly, is that Newcastle should be aiming higher. Plenty are underwhelmed by and dismissive of the claim.
This is a player who is playing in the Championship, and has just come back from a knee injury.
One thing that was notable about Howe’s Bournemouth side during their time in the Premier League was how porous they were.
There is a real argument here that if Howe is looking to raid his old club, then he should be steering clear of the defenders.
Player recruitment could be a problem in January given the club’s league position. But surely players of better quality than Steve Cook can be attracted.
Howe has worked with him and perhaps feels he can do a job. But realistically, is he much of an upgrade than the current options?
Here’s what some Toon fans made of the speculation:
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