Now that the dust has settled on the Steve McClaren appointment we can get down to the important business of summer squad improvement.
And you could make a fine argument for Newcastle needing serious reinforcement in every area of the team. Newcastle scored 40 goals and conceded 63 in the league last season so a top centre back and a brilliant striker would do nicely for starters.
Latest reports suggest that they are pursuing a really promising number 9 with every intention of making him one of their major summer signings.
The Guardian writes:
Newcastle hope that offering Charlie Austin the No9 shirt could be the key incentive that will make the striker choose to go to St James’ Park.
At 25 we believe that Austin would be a great addition to the squad. He’s the same sort of powerful number 9 as Andy Carroll and he brings real presence to the forward line. But, as we know, he’s not just a big, strong lad. He also has an uncanny ability to find the net. Whether he has his back to goal or is working with a fine angle, more often than not, he seems to hit the target.
Austin was sensational for QPR last season
It’s the same sort of shooting precision that made Alan Shearer a legend and that looks to have guaranteed Harry Kane a central place in the England team for the next few years.
Some strikers need a lot of chances to hit the net. Austin wasn’t always afforded lots of those at a struggling QPR – but he scored 18 in 36 last season – and he won’t get countless chances straight away under the new regime at Newcastle. But this is precisely why he could be the perfect summer signing for the club.
Let’s see the lad in action. Newcastle fans: the right man for the job?
