Newcastle United are one of those clubs to whom anything can happen. At the start of each season it’s almost impossible to predict how they will fare. It seems that they can just as easily find themselves in a relegation scrap as a battle for Europe.
Thankfully, for Newcastle fans, the latter applies this season. After an indifferent start to the campaign they have put a really great run together and, despite two recent defeats, retain ambitions to get into Europe.
But the recent reverses to Arsenal and West Brom highlight the need for squad improvement – perhaps Joe Kinnear can earn his keep this January with some stellar signings. The recent injury to Fabricio Coloccini will surely see a focus on defensive reinforcements.
It may come as a surprise to many that Newcastle have been made bookmaker favourites to sign Phil Jagielka this January. The Everton captain has been a rock for his club and signed a two year extension to his contract at the beginning of 2013 – a deal which ties the 31 year old to his current club until 2017.
Nevertheless SkyBet, who have an ear to the ground on transfer speculation through their sports new channel, have installed Newcastle as favourites for the signature of the player in January. With Jagielka keen to do everything possible to cement a place on the plane to Brazil a January would appear to be a long shot. But SkyBet have Newcastle at the shortest odds of 9/1 for his signature.
Newcastle fans can you see this one happening?
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