With Steve McClaren in, Premier League safety having been guaranteed and promises from owner Mike Ashley that signings are possible, there is, finally, a feel-good factor at Newcastle United.The ‘Toon’ have been through the wringer in recent seasons, with poor form and a lack of ambition having tested the patience of even the most loyal members of the Geordie faithful, however, this summer could be one to get everybody back on board.Adding goals appears to be an issue McClaren is ready to address, and among the links there are some top-quality options… Here are FIVE we at FFC Towers believe would be ideal.[interaction id=“noneâ€]
Andy Carroll
The prodigal son to return… reports have suggested that Carroll could well be heading back to his home region this summer, and such a deal could make sense. Although injuries and off-field issues surrounding professionalism have been problems, a fit and firing ‘AC’ is virtually unplayable. Big, powerful, technically adept, Carroll has it all when he’s on song, and the romantic angle of the local lad coming back could be just what’s needed in the North East to kick off a new era of positivity. We’re sure the Geordie faithful will have him back after that £35m exit in January 2011.
Demba Ba
With claims that he wants to leave Turkish football doing the rounds, another comeback option in the shape of Ba could be something to look at. The Senegal ace was prolific for the Magpies between 2011 – 2013, registering around one goal every two games as the ‘Toon’ went through their most successful period in recent memory. With Premier League know-how, the physique to succeed in England and a proven record of putting the ball in the net, the 30-year-old appears a perfect option.
Bas Dost
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16 goals from just 39 Bundesliga shots made Dost the most dangerous forward in Europe last season, and with ‘talks’ having taken place, there’s a chance he could be rocking up at St James’ Park. The 6ft. 5†Wolfsburg man is a really physical presence, and what he lacks in mobility he makes up for in positioning and movement around the 18-yard box, so with the right service he could be the ideal focal pint for McClaren to build his side around.
Charlie Austin
https://vine.co/v/OPgO6OjmmVA/embed/simpleEven though QPR slipped to relegation last season, Austin still notched 18 league goals, which were enough to earn a first England call-up. Life in the second tier now appears below the 25-year-old, and with Newcastle interested, there’s every chance he could be in the black and white shirt. An interesting Twitter conversation between Austin and Alan Shearer has also fuelled rumours…
Patrick Bamford
A bit of a wildcard option, Bamford is an intriguing alternative. A 17-goal return in the Championship with Middlesbrough last season has fuelled talk of the Chelsea-owned striker being the ‘next big thing’, but another loan spell beckons for the 2015/16 campaign. Newcastle could offer him game time, and with the 21-year-old clearly a capable goalscorer he may be just the ticket for McClaren.