Kevin Phillips says Newcastle should sign Eze

Newcastle United were busy in the January transfer window, signing Bruno Guimaraes from Olympique Lyonnais, Chris Wood from Burnley, Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion and Matt Targett from Aston Villa, and this summer is likely to be no different.

The Magpies have lucrative funds following their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, so they could be busy in the transfer market.

Eberechi Eze is one player on Newcastle’s radar as they’re 12th in the Premier League for shots (11.8 per game) and 15th for goals (26), but the Magpies’ approach was rebuffed in the past. Palace are desperate to keep the 23-year-old or be handsomely compensated if he’s sold.

Kevin Phillis says the attacking-midfielder is a ‘good, young player’ who will excite supporters and be a ‘good signing’ for Newcastle, but he questioned if he can be consistent.

Phillips told Football Insider: “I think he would be a good signing. But it’s just about whether he would bring that consistency because that’s what Newcastle need to buy if they can stay up this season.”

United are 17th in the Premier League with 22 points from 24 games, four points clear of the relegation zone. They’re unbeaten in their last six outings and boast three wins from their previous four. Survival looks on the cards for Eddie Howe’s men now.

Phillips added: “He’ll get the fans off their seats, but will he do it week-in, week-out? He might perform only in glimpses. They’ve got players like him, too, in Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron, do they really need another one that might just float through games?”

Eze scored 20 goals and had 13 assists in 112 games for Queens Park Rangers before joining Palace