Newcastle have already been linked with a number of players that Rafa Benitez may sign in the upcoming January transfer window, but possibly none more than Brentford playmaker Alan Judge and Dundalk’s in-form Irish winger Horgan.
We were linked heavily with 27 year-old Judge in late August, but Newcastle pulled out of the race until Alan’s broken leg was closer to being mended and he is expected to be fit towards the end of this month.
And we have only recently been linked with 24 year-old Daryl Horgan, who has been in great form for his Irish club in this season’s Europa League.
Alan Judge – 27 year-old Brentford play-maker
Judge is a once capped Irish International in the last year of contract at Brentford and Newcastle could be able to get a good deal on him.
He was born in Dublin and played for all the Ireland Youth sides.
Alan had a great season last term with 14 goals and 12 assists in 38 total appearances for Brentford – and he was in the PFA Championship Team of the Year in April and shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Year.
He’s a creative player and we are short of those and it may even be a struggle to replace Jonjo Shelvey if he get suspended by the FA for 5 games – which now seems likely to happen.
Alan has lots of experience in the Championship and Rafa must believe he can step up to the Premier League – should we be promoted next May.
He stands just short of 5ft 7ins and in his two and a half years at the Bees he’s played 102 games with 24 goals and 31 assists.
Darryl Horgan 24 year-old winger
Newcastle scouts have been watching the Irishman this season as Rafa has extended the net to bring in top players to the club.
And by all accounts they have been very impressed with the player.
He is the PFAI Player of the Year and has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Austria.
He has played for the Ireland U-21 side only once but never for the full side – so he may get his first cap this week.
He appeared in all six of Dundalk’s UEFA Champions League qualifying games in 2016 as they became the first Irish side ever to reach the play-off round.
Daryl was asked recently about Newcastle’s reported interest and he said this:
“I don’t know, really. To be honest with you, I try to stay out of it as much as I possibly can.”
“I’m a Dundalk player, I’m very happy at Dundalk, but as I said, if an offer does come in from somewhere, I’d have to consider it.”
“Especially something like a massive club like Newcastle.”
There’s a good possibility we will be able to sign the two Irish forwards, but Rafa will only sign those players in January if he believes they can be good players in the Premier League, with the hope Newcastle will be promoted this season.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
4 comments so far
Mag52
Nov 11, 2016 at 8:15 AM
Comment #1The possible suspension of Shelvey certainly highlights a position we need to cover in the Jan. window.
Jib
Nov 11, 2016 at 8:19 AM
Comment #2I know it has a particular poignancy for lots of Australians – so – best regards for Remembrance day.
The overrated Frenchman
Nov 11, 2016 at 8:20 AM
Comment #3Mag52. Couldn’t agree more. The squad is bursting at the seams with full-backs and plank centre-backs, but Shelvey is our only creative midfielder. But hey, we’re top of the table – what could possibly go wrong??!!
The overrated Frenchman
Nov 11, 2016 at 8:23 AM
Comment #4fair play to that sentiment Jib