Newcastle Need New Faces

We caught glimpses in Newcastle’s Europa League match versus Benfica of how limited Newcastle’s squad is. Their squad depth is practically nonexistent. When in need of a goal, who did Alan Pardew bring on the field? Ageing striker Shola Ameobi, who has scored no more than four goals from thirty appearances for the Magpies this season. He was the best option they had. Surely, for a club aspiring to get further in a large continental tournament like the Europa League, better options are required.

Perhaps Saint-Etienne hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese forward has hit an impressive 17 goals in Ligue One this season, and would certainly be sufficient back up, or an alternative to Papiss Demba Cisse. Pardew’s scouts certainly like their players from Ligue One, so Aubameyang certainly wouldn’t be out of place.
Or what about an alternative? The Daily Mirror is reporting that a move for Liverpool flop Andy Carroll- the England target man has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield, and his glorious form of 2011 might come back if he returns to St James Park.
But what else do Newcastle need? Defensive rock Fabrizio Coloccini is apparently set for bigger and better things with a highly likely summer transfer away from the North East.
Perhaps Cameroonian defensive tactician Nicolas N’Koulou might replace him- the Marseille centre back has attracted plenty of attention from Premier League clubs after his impressive performances in Ligue One.
Another option could be Joleon Lescott. The 30 year old has featured little in the Manchester City starting lineup recently, and he might want more first team football. However, he would most likely have to take a salary cut, as his £90,000-a-week wages is a little extravagant for a slightly limited Newcastle transfer kitty.
But, with players like Davide Santon, Hatem Ben Arfa and Yoan Cabaye rumored to be leaving St James Park in the summer, Newcastle’s transfer priorities could be very different come July.

Leander Winden (@LeanderWinden)