Newcastle manager Alan Pardew arguably survived by the skin of his teeth last season. Another ten games with that sort of performance level and Newcastle could well have a new boss by now.
But survive he did and he’s been working like a mad man to do some really good deals for the club this summer.
It may turn out that Newcastle are able to field a completely new team by the start of the coming campaign. Because, even now, they show no sign of halting their transfer business.
The latest to be linked is Chile full back Mauricio Isla. The Express says:
Newcastle hoping to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to signature of Mauricio Isla
According to Chilean outlet El Mercurio, Newcastle have made an approach for Isla.
It is thought they are prepared to around £8million for his signature.
The 26 year old moved to Serie A in 2007 with Udinese. After 5 solid years at the club he was picked up by Juventus and, at 26, he looks to be in his absolute prime. He’s also turned out an impressive 47 times for the a really strong Chile side.
You might imagine that he would be happy to stay in the beautiful surroundings of Rome, but a new challenge – not to mention better contract – may pique the interest of the wide man.
Let’s take a look at the full back in action. Newcastle fans: are we talking about a player who would walk straight into the first eleven, with Debuchy off the Arsenal?