Newcastle Transfers: 10 Wingers McClaren Must Consider
The Magpies have improved this summer but their lack of decent wingers remains a concern.
With new signing Aleksandar Mitrovic standing at 6ft 3in and Charlie Austin (6ft 2in) rumoured to be the magpies number one target, crosses into the box are a minimum requirement this season.
Despite all of the optimism and positivity surrounding the club's new signings, Newcastle fans have to be brutally honest. There is simply no point in signing this type of player only to have Yoan Gouffran or Gabriel Obertan - who let’s face it, can’t cross any better than you or I can - playing on the wings.
Mitrovic claims to idolise Alan Shearer and aims to replicate the legendary striker, but "Big Al" played with some great wing architects like Nobby Solano, Keith Gillespie and Laurent Robert. In truth, Newcastle have yet to replace the last player capable of putting in a decent set-piece, Joey Barton, and if Mitrovic is to stand any chance of following in his idol's footsteps, improvements must be made in wide areas.
Rolando Aarons looks an excellent prospect and many Newcastle fans are desperate to see more of the youngster this season. But to burden a 19-year-old who has made just four Premier League appearances, with the pressure of delivering in front of 52,000, week in and week out, is a lot to ask.
With the club reportedly still looking to sign more players this summer, here are 10 wingers that Newcastle should look at signing before the transfer window slams shut next month.
10. Andy Najar
Age: 22
Club: Anderlecht
Nationality: Honduras
Estimated Market Value: £3.15 million
League Apps (2014-15): 35
League Goals (2014-15): 6
League Assists (2014-15): 5
Having already signed star players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba from Anderlecht, the Magpies have been linked with their former teammate Andy Najar in recent weeks.
Similar to Sylvain Marveaux - but with a decent work rate - Najar isn’t the quickest of footballers, but is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, has good technique and an eye for a pass.
His most-memorable performances came against Arsenal in the Champions League, scoring at Tthe Emirates and providing an assist at the Constant Vander Stock Stadium.
In quite an odd comparison, he has been likened to Goal star Santiago Munez by Honduran newspapers. One similarity is that it would likely take him some time to settle in the Premier League - another is that he certainly has potential and would be an improvement on Newcastle’s current wide men.