North-East giants Newcastle United have set tongues wagging in recent months following the PIF Saudi takeover- making them one of the richest clubs in the world.
At serious risk of relegation to the Championship under Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce, PIF and new boss Eddie Howe lead them to a comfortable 11th placed finish.
A whole raft of new signings arrived at St James’ Park over the January winter window, such as Bruno Guimaraes for £33m and Chris Wood for more than £20, and they are not stopping there.
According to reports the Geordies are close to confirming the permanent arrival of full-back Matt Targett and highly regarded Sporting Director Dan Ashworth has been pinched from Premier League competitors Brighton and Hove Albion.
This all is expected to lead to a revolving door of activity in Newcastle this window with squads confined to just 25 players- some of which Reading may be able to take off their hands.
Below we look at three players currently at St James’ Park that could be useful in Berkshire.
Ciaran Clark
32-year-old centre-back Clark has a wealth of experience in the English game, racking up almost 300 appearances for Aston Villa and the Toon Army.
Only racking up more than 30 appearances in a season twice, the Republic of Ireland international’s most successful campaign was his only one outside the top-flight (2016/17 Championship.)
Under contract until next summer, he was removed from the 25-man-squad in Newcastle after the January 2022 transfer window after making 13 appearances pre-Christmas, making it clear that he is not in Howe’s plans up on the banks of the Tyne.
A one-year loan deal, taking him up to the end of his deal with Newcastle, would bring some experience and pedigree to a back-line currently consisting of just Scott Dann and Tom McIntyre.
Jamal Lewis
A much more attractive proposition for most of the Championship, 24-year-old Lewis will not be short of suitors over the summer.
Making his name as an attacking full-back alongside Max Aarons with Daniel Farke’s Championship-winning Norwich City, the Northern Ireland international was a regular in two of his three Canaries campaigns.
He was also named in the PFA Team of the Season for 2018/19.
Bruce signed Lewis on a five-year deal in 2020 and he played 26 times in his debut season at St James’ Park, however the arrival of Targett from Southampton has limited his playing time to just five appearances last campaign.
A loan move, similar to that of Baba Rahman from Chelsea last season, would be a very strong statement from Paul Ince and would vastly improve the back four.
Elliot Anderson
Again, one who will not be short of suitors, Anderson is expected to complete pre-season with Howe and the first team before a decision is made on his future.
The 19-year-old academy graduate is under contract until 2024 so it would only be a short-term move, but he impressed on loan with Bristol Rovers and has already attracted interest.
13 goal contributions in 21 appearances for the Gas helped Joey Barton’s side to promotion to the third tier.
Capable of playing centrally or from the left, the tricky midfielder has yet to prove himself at a level as high as the Championship, but he has all the attributed required.
According to the Yorkshire Post, second tier Millwall and Luton are said to have an interest, as well as League One giants Sheffield Wednesday.
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