An update has emerged on Newcastle and their pursuit of a new attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
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.
Imagine him & Joelinton
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 a crucial stage of his career. Ross has been spoken about in glowing terms since he was very young but he is 27 now and needs to deliver on that potential.
“At his best he is a match-winner and Villa is a great platform for him.”
In 2021/22, Barkley only played six times – starting once – for Chelsea in the top-flight but managed to score one goal and create nine chances.
This came after he scored three goals and created 45 chances in 18 starts on loan at Aston Villa in the previous campaign.
He provided 1.5 key passes or more per game in both campaigns and no Magpies midfielder managed more than 1.4 per match last season.
This suggests that he would improve the creativity in the midfield and his talents could be unlocked by Joelinton’s presence alongside him, which is why they could be an important duo for the club this term.
