da premier bet： According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United have enquired about signing £4m-rated Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva this summer.
What’s the word, then?
da dobrowin： Well, Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is keen to significantly strengthen his squad to ensure that they aren’t in a relegation battle in the Premier League next season following their promotion from the Championship, and the Spaniard believes that experience could be the key to doing that.
The 57-year-old often played the likes of Jack Colback, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden in a defensive midfield position last term, but he would prefer a more knowledgeable head in that area for their return to the top flight.
Doesn’t Benitez know him well?
He certainly does.
He brought the Brazilian to Liverpool in 2007 during his time in charge of the Merseyside outfit, and made him a regular in his starting line-up in the Premier League the following season.
How has Lucas done since then?
The 30-year-old has made almost 350 appearances in all competitions for the Red over the course of the last 10 seasons, including 31 in the 2016/17 campaign.
However, the Northern Echo state that he doesn’t feature in current manager Jurgen Klopp’s future plans and will be allowed to move on this summer for around £4m.
Would he be a good signing?
Even though he is 30 years of age and perhaps an older player than owner Mike Ashley would like to bring into the club because of the potential of a reduced sell-on fee, the fact that he is available for just £4m certainly makes the deal more appealing.
There is no doubt that Lucas has the experience and influence on the field to be a big player at St James’ Park next season, and he could even be signed on a short-term deal to make it a better deal for the Tyneside outfit.
His know-how at this level could easily be the difference between Newcastle being involved in a relegation battle or not.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, it seems to be a bit of a no-brainer for Newcastle to sign Lucas this summer as they look for more experience, and the fact that he has worked with Benitez before and is available for just £4m could seal the deal.