Newcastle have "some interest" in £100k-p/w "match-winner", imagine him & Joelinton - opinion

An update has emerged on Newcastle and their pursuit of a new attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window…

Journalist Dean Jones has revealed that the Magpies are keen on the Chelsea outcast and may look to snap him up if they do not land other targets.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I have heard there is some interest from Newcastle in Ross Barkley, so maybe that is one they turn to later on if the James Maddison offers do not work out. Nothing has developed yet but it seems like there are stumbling blocks with him going back to Everton.”

The reporter has not, however, confirmed whether they are interested in signing him on loan or on a permanent basis.

Barkley is a creative midfielder and may need protection in the middle of the park in order for Eddie Howe to get the best out of him. 

In the last two seasons, the England international has failed to make more than 0.4 tackles and interceptions per match in the top flight.

That is where Joelinton could play a pivotal role as the Brazilian has proven that he can disrupt the opposition by winning the ball back on a regular basis.

In the Premier League last term, he averaged 3.1 tackles and interceptions and won 6.9 duels per match in midfield for the Toon. This suggests that he has the quality to cover for Barkley on the defensive side of the game, as he consistently broke up opposition attacks, allowing the gem to do what he does best in the final third.

Magpies legend Alan Shearer previously lauded the £100k-per-week gem whilst he was out on loan at Aston Villa, saying:

“Ross seems to have found a system that suits him and a manager who wants to play him. This is exactly what he needs.

“He now needs to find the consistency that has been lacking in his game because this is