da luck： Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez will be handed the chance to sign Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez this summer, with the one-cap England international on the verge of leaving St. Mary’s this summer, according to reports from Chronicle Live.
What’s the word?
da dobrowin： The Magpies have been preparing for their Premier League return ever since they dropped out the top flight last summer, spending around £55m with the likes of Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle coming with the years beyond promotion in mind.
Now they have been crowned champions on the second tier and are back in the big time Rafa Benitez will have to continue to spend what money he has on offer as he looks to build far stronger foundations at St. James’ Park than were in place upon his arrival.
With that in mind, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss is set to be offered the chance to bring in Saints striker Jay Rodriguez, who has been on the fringes of Claude Puel’s squad this season.
The former Burnley striker, who was at the peak of his powers under Mauricio Pochettino before being sidelined for almost two years after two separate long-term injuries.
Would it work?
The 27-year-old was in scintillating form before his injury blow but has struggled to find his feet ever since returning. Puel’s rotation early in the season restricted his chances to find form and, even after bagging early goals in both the Premier League and Europa League could not nail down a spot.
However, his stunning brace at Bournemouth around Christmas showed that the Saints No.9 still had the goal-scoring touch.
Given a run in the side by Rafa, the English forward could well get back to his best, playing a crucial role in the next stage of the Spaniard’s plan.
It shouldn’t be too hard for the Toon Army to take to Rodriguez, given that he’s already scored against north east rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough this season.