Newcastle United appear determined, for the first time in several seasons, to alter their recruitment model slightly. Cheap, value-for-money imports will still be sought from France, Spain, Holland and the like, but the club have also privately made a commitment to looking a little bit closer to home for fresh talent. Steve McClaren is expected to be named as Alan Pardew's permanent successor as Magpies manager this week, a full six months after John Carver took temporary charge, and the former England and Middlesbrough boss will look to recruit proven British - and indeed English - talent with the help of his chief scout, Graham Carr. He may have been sacked by Derby County just last month, but McClaren is expected to be allowed to recruit as many as seven first-team signings - and he already has his eyes on potential transfer targets, both at home and abroad. So will Newcastle actually alter their transfer philosophy slightly this summer and look to sign British players? Or will the Magpies balk at the hefty prices demanded by English clubs for English talent? Here are 20 English players Newcastle United could sign this summer if they really are serious about turning their attention from foreign markets to the domestic league.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
