Well, hello there, fellow footie fans! James Richardson here, your trusted betting companion, with some fascinating transfer tidbits that might just influence your wagering decisions in the coming weeks.
Newcastle United’s Transfer Targets
Newcastle United have added Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins to their shopping list as the transfer window enters its final stretch. This isn’t just idle gossip—this information comes straight from Mick Brown, a former Manchester United and Villa scout with extensive connections in football.
Potential Replacement for Alexander Isak
According to Brown’s exclusive conversation with Football Insider, the 29-year-old England forward is one of the top candidates being considered to replace Alexander Isak. Isak has expressed his ambitions to join Liverpool and has already been left out of Newcastle’s pre-season Asian tour.
Interestingly, Football Insider reported on July 28 that Villa are open to offers for Watkins. They’ve been somewhat surprised by the lack of suitors showing interest. Both Tottenham and Manchester United have monitored the situation but have yet to make concrete moves.
Exploring Other Options
Newcastle isn’t putting all their eggs in one basket. Other targets on their radar include:
- Yoane Wissa
- Benjamin Sesko
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin
They are frantically seeking a suitable replacement for Isak.
Mick Brown’s Insights
Brown, instrumental in bringing Watkins to Villa Park in 2020, believes Ollie Watkins is “certainly” on Newcastle’s list and would be an excellent fit for the Magpies.
> “There’s been a lot of talk about Ollie Watkins at Villa,” Brown told Football Insider. “Arsenal came in for him in January, and they were still interested before signing Gyokeres, so that one is dead now. Man United have looked at him as well, and now Newcastle are interested.”
He continues, “I’m told it’s something Villa are open to, and I think Watkins is open to leaving too. If clubs come in for him, he’s going to want to explore his options. Newcastle are preparing to lose Isak, so they’ve been considering several players who could potentially fill the gap.”
Watkins: A Strong Contender
Brown speaks highly of Watkins’ qualities: “Watkins is certainly on that list because he’s a top player and would be great for Newcastle. I was really pushing for Villa to sign him when I was there because he was the best option available to us, and eventually, they went and got it done. Now he’s got Premier League and international experience, which makes him ideal for Newcastle.”
Yoane Wissa: Another Strong Consideration
Meanwhile, the Magpies are also keen on Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. Brown reveals that Newcastle is actively pursuing the 28-year-old striker. The situation is heating up, with Wissa reportedly refusing to train to force a move.
However, it’s worth noting that Brentford isn’t willing to sell both Mbeumo and Wissa after already agreeing to part ways with the former.
Betting Insights
For those considering a flutter on Newcastle’s top scorer for the upcoming season, it might be wise to wait until this transfer saga concludes. Unless you’re up for a bet with more uncertainty than my attempt to explain the offside rule to my mother-in-law after a few Sunday pints!
Stay tuned for more updates as the transfer window drama unfolds.