The Magpies have shown their commitment to not letting go in the transfer window as one of their top talent producers takes his place at Wembley.
Newcastle United legend Mick Tait was an interested spectator at Wembley last night as England took on Japan.
With transfer deals and scouting activities for Newcastle over the next few weeks and months, this was more than just a meaningless friendly.
Tait’s appearance in the capital comes 24 hours after CEO David Hopkinson promised a ‘big summer’ at St James’ Park in terms of recruitment. Hopkinson also indicated that Newcastle may have to sell a player or two in order to attract box office signings.
Another player who has not been ruled out is former Academy star Elliot Anderson who started for England against Japan and came close to scoring at Wembley when he came down the pitch in the first half. But the man he started with, Kobbie Maino, might have been on Tait’s list.
The 20-year-old Manchester United star is contracted until 2027 at Old Trafford but is yet to be confirmed, and with the Red Devils sniffing out Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, he could still fit in for Newcastle. Mainoo made 97 and dropped nine balls to lead on a frustrating night for England.
Tait is second in command to the head of recruitment Steve Nickson so his presence would not be to monitor the players of Newcastle with the show last night. Eddie Howe’s other favorite targets were named on the bench in James Traord and Dominic Solanke.
Solanke came on in the last half hour and created one chance but this was not the night for the strikers and not the night for the old Bournemouth man that we know Howe loves. Indeed, Newcastle should take a closer look at Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The 6ft 3in New Jersey-born stopper made many key saves to deny Lewis Hall and Marcus Rashford. Currently at Parma, Newcastle could do worse than the 23-year-old if a change of target is on the cards.
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In particular, regarding the transfer, Hopkinson had said: “What I will tell you is that we intend to be as disciplined, active, thoughtful and proactive as we can, but what will be the result? I couldn’t begin to tell you.”
The CEO also added: “We are not ready to comment on how we can act on the signing now, except that we all agree that we need to prepare for any situation, deeply and more now, instead of waiting to see what situation we are in.”
“We have two ways to plan. Two situations with multiple strategies that follow any situation.”
Asked directly about Whitley Bay’s youngster Anderson and whether Manchester City will easily beat the Magpies due to their ability to offer double rewards, Hopkinson said: “I can’t talk about what Man City are going to do or not do. We’re looking at what we can do.”
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