Newcastle United are looking to add proven quality to their squad this summer - with Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel one of a number of internationals they are tracking. The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder spent the 2014-15 campaign on loan at AC Milan and the Magpies believe they can tempt him to the North East for next season. According to The Chronicle, Van Ginkel and West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino are on Newcastle's potential shopping list. Steve McClaren is expected to be named as Alan Pardew's permanent successor as head coach on Tyneside this week and owner Mike Ashley has promised to back him in the transfer market. The ex-Derby County, England and Middlesbrough boss' previous relationship with Graham Carr is seen as a positive and that is one of the reasons why managing director Lee Charnley will release funds this summer. A move for Van Ginkel in particular would show serious ambition, with the two-cap Dutch international having moved to Chelsea for £8 million from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 once Jose Mourinho returned to the Blues for a second time. Although he has appeared just twice in the Premier League for Chelsea since as a result of an anterior cruciate knee-ligament injury he suffered back in September 2013, Van Ginkel moved to Milan on loan last summer. In 16 appearances, Van Ginkel scored once but showed a creativity and composure on the ball that was severely lacking on Tyneside last season. During his career to date, Van Ginkel has made a total of 131 appearances, scoring 24 times. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
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.
