Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has played down talk of Newcastle United signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Liverpool this summer.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is on course to become a free agent at the end of the season, with his Liverpool contract due to expire. That has led to talk over his future, with Newcastle talked up as a potential destination.
It has been reported by the Daily Mail that the Magpies are one of three Premier League clubs keen on giving the 29-year-old a fresh start, with Brighton and Aston Villa also a linked.
A move for the midfielder would be a bad decision by Sporting Director Dan Ashworth, who was previously a master of the transfer window during his time with Brighton.
Signing the Ox would be a rare misstep, but Romano has hinted that the England international is unlikely to move to St James’ Park.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain not a priority for Newcastle
In his latest column for Caught Offside, Romano has addressed Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future, which clearly lies away from Liverpool.
“Some Liverpool fans have been asking me to clarify some rumours on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with reports linking him with Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton,” he said.
“From what I’ve been told, there are two clubs in England and two clubs abroad looking at him at the moment. There is interest but is very early and not advanced, at this stage.
“Newcastle, for example, have different priorities in that position, so I wouldn’t read too much into that particular story.”
A risk not worth taking for Newcastle
Eddie Howe is keen to sign a midfielder this summer, but it does not look like it will be Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Considering the calibre of player we have been linked with, it is clear we have better options than the 2020 Premier League winner. While he does have stacks of experience and has won plenty of trophies, he is no longer at the level that Newcastle are now competing at.
The likes of Khephren Thuram, Youri Tielemans or Moises Caicedo would be much better signings. Even Scott McTominay would be a stronger addition, despite a lot of Toon fans being against a move for the Manchester United man.
While a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain would be handy for FFP given the fact he is going to be available on a free, that does not mean he would be a wise investment.
Luckily, it does not sound like he is going to be holding up a black and white scarf anytime soon.
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