The year is 2023 and Newcastle United are looking to sign a striker who Rafa Benitez thinks has real potential ahead of competing in the Champions League.
But this is not some kind of alternative reality where Benitez stayed at St James’ Park and achieved his Toon ambitions – this is Eddie Howe‘s Newcastle United.
The Toon boss is looking to enhance his squad ahead of next season, all the while searching for young talent that can develop into future stars on Tyneside. The Magpies have already done that once this summer, completing a deal for 18-year-old Yankuba Minteh.
Now another teenager is on Newcastle’s radar, and he is someone who former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez had high hopes for back in 2021.
Newcastle look at signing Daniel Jebbison
According to 90min, Newcastle United are one of four Premier League clubs who are keeping an eye on Sheffield United striker Daniel Jebbison. The other clubs linked are Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Jebbison is attracting a lot of interest right now, with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also keen on the 19-year-old. That is because his future at Bramall Lane is in doubt, with Jebbison entering the final year of his contract.
The report states that Sheffield United’s ownership issue is stopping them from tying down key players, which could lead to the teenage forward leaving the club – potentially for nothing next year.
Jebbison scored his first and only Premier League goal at the age of 17, but rarely featured during the Blades’ promotion campaign last time out. He scored one goal in eight Championship appearances.
He actually nearly left the club in the summer of 2021, and was a target for Everton, who were managed by Benitez at the time. The Spaniard reportedly believed that he could mould Jebbison into a proper Premier League forward, but never got the opportunity.
That honour could now go to Howe, if Newcastle decide to make a move. While striker is not a priority, we could do with some cover for Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, who both suffered with injury last season.
But if Jebbison does arrive, he would be one for the future given his age and limited senior experience.
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