TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent believes that Newcastle United ought to be going after Gareth Bale this summer.
The 32-year-old made headlines last week after hitting stunning brace for Wales in their play-off semi-final against Austria.
Bale scored a stunning free-kick that went in off the crossbar, and then in the second-half he found the far corner with an excellent strike inside the area.
It was a reminder that on his day, Bale is still a world-class player.
Few can strike the ball as well as he does.
And few are capable of delivering in the big moments like he can.
Bent said of the winger after his two-goal haul (quoted by Chronicle): “He is incredible, Gareth Bale, we have seen it time and time again.
“That’s a superstar signing they are looking for. I think they (Newcastle fans) would be happy with it.”
Lots of supporters probably would be happy with it if Bale was going to play often and deliver those special moments.
That would be unlikely though, with the player’s record with injuries in recent years really poor.
He’s made just five appearances for Real Madrid this season, having had knee, calf and back problems.
Newcastle should not be tempted to go in for Gareth Bale
He may be going on a free this summer, but Newcastle shouldn’t be tempted to make any kind of move for Bale.
Yes he showed how good he can be for Wales.
But his injury record surely makes him too big a risk.
Newcastle already have one injury-prone winger in Allan Saint-Maximin and don’t really need another. Ryan Fraser has also had a number of issues since coming to St. James’ Park.
If Newcastle went for Bale, he’d no doubt come in on huge wages. He would possibly be a top earner. So if he wasn’t playing half the time, it could upset the balance and harmony that Eddie Howe has worked hard to build since his arrival.
Bale turns 33 in the summer, and it’s difficult to see his fitness holding up given all the problems he has had.